I have sad news that you are leaving the NFL.

homer jones,was. Twice A Pro Bowl wide receiver for both the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, the first player in history to spike after a touchdown has died. he was 82 years old.

At the time of his death, Jones was battling lung cancer.

The Giants team announced Jones’ death Wednesday night.

“Homer Jones possessed a unique combination of speed and power that made him a threat that could score whenever he touched the ball,” Giants CEO John Mara said in a statement.

“He was one of the first players (if not the first) to spike the ball in the end zone after scoring a touchdown and quickly became a fan favorite. I remember being well liked by my teammates and coaches.”

In memory of Giants legend Homer Jones, one of the most prolific wide receivers in Giants history.

📰: https://t.co/WID9Q1pmBn pic.twitter.com/ma6xSFXgph

— New York Giants (@Giants) June 14, 2023

Jones was selected by the Houston Oilers in the fifth round of the 1963 AFL Draft, but never actually played for the Houston Oilers. He was selected by the Giants in the 20th round of the 1963 NFL Draft and made his franchise debut in 1964.

While in New York, Jones was a two-time Pro Bowler and led the National Football League with 13 touchdowns in 1967. He then played one season with the Cleveland Browns, eventually leaving football after the 1970 season.

His career totaled 4,986 yards and 36 touchdowns. (Related article: Super Bowl 3 winner Jim Turner dies at 82)

Jones was best known for being the first player ever to spike a football after a touchdown. Instead of being fined for throwing the ball into the stands after scoring like Paul Hornung and Frank Gifford (superstars at the time), Jones spiked the ball after punching for a touchdown in 1965. I decided to do it and did it in my first game of 2019. his career.

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Jones has six surviving children, according to KLTV.

My condolences to Homer Jones’ family and friends.