Johnny "Lam" Jones

Johnny "Lam" Jones was an American track and field star and professional football player, renowned for his elite speed. He won a gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics as part of the 4x100-meter relay team before being selected second overall in the 1980 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. His professional career, though hampered by injuries, was defined by his explosive playmaking potential as a wide receiver and kick returner.

Early life and education

Johnny Lamont Jones was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, and grew up in the small town of Lampasas, Texas. He gained his distinctive nickname, "Lam," as a shortening of Lampasas during his youth. At Lampasas High School, he excelled in both football and track, showcasing the speed that would become his trademark. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, where he planned to compete in both sports under legendary Longhorns coaches.

College football career

At the University of Texas, Jones played for coach Fred Akers and became a standout wide receiver and return specialist for the Texas Longhorns football team. In his sophomore season of 1977, he was a key contributor to a team that finished the regular season undefeated and played in the 1978 Cotton Bowl Classic. His most famous collegiate play came in the 1977 rivalry game against the University of Oklahoma, where he caught a last-second touchdown pass from quarterback Randy McEachern to secure a dramatic victory. He finished his college football career with 1,079 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, while also returning kicks and punts.

Professional football career

Jones was selected with the second overall pick in the 1980 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, a choice famously influenced by his world-class speed. His rookie contract was one of the largest in the NFL at the time. While he showed flashes of brilliance, his transition to the professional game was challenging, often struggling with route-running and drops. He spent five seasons with the Jets, his best year coming in 1983 when he caught 43 passes for 734 yards and four touchdowns. His career was also marred by injuries, including a broken leg. After being released by the Jets, he had a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 1985 before retiring from professional football.

Post-football life and death

After his football career, Jones returned to Texas and worked as a rancher and in the oil industry. He later became a respected high school football coach and teacher in Smithville, Texas, and Giddings, Texas, where he was known for mentoring young athletes. Jones was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and battled the disease for a decade. He died from complications of his illness on March 15, 2019, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 60.

Legacy and honors

Jones remains a unique figure in sports history for his dual achievement as an Olympic champion and a high NFL draft pick. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. His Olympic gold medal from the Montreal Games, where he ran a preliminary heat for the winning U.S. relay team, stands as a testament to his athletic versatility. While his NFL career did not meet the lofty expectations set by his draft position, his extraordinary speed and his iconic game-winning catch against the Oklahoma Sooners have secured his place in the lore of University of Texas athletics.

Category:American football wide receivers Category:American sprinters Category:Olympic gold medalists for the United States in athletics