Sports Then and Now

The Sports Then and Now Athlete of the Month was one of the great linemen of his era and is considered a trailblazer for using weight training and conditioning to develop his skills.

After a standout career at the University of Maryland, Stan Jones spent nine seasons as an offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears, making seven Pro Bowl appearances and earning first team All-Pro three times.

In 1962, assistant coach George Allen suggested Jones move to defense to help solidify that unit for the Bears. He played both ways in 1962 and then in 1963 moved permanently to the defense.

During his first season playing exclusively on defense, the Bears went 11-1-2 and allowed only 144 points during the season. They defeated the New York Giants 14-10 to win the NFL Championship.

Jones was one of the first players to utilize weight training as a conditioning tool and was known for his strength and quickness.

Prior to joining the Bears, Jones had earned All-America honors at the University of Maryland. He led them to a 10-0 record and co-championship of the Southern Conference in 1951. In 1953 the Terps posted a 10-1 record and won the national championship while also sharing the ACC championship with Duke.  During his senior season, Jones was awarded the Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy as the best lineman in the nation.

The Chicago Bears had used a future pick to secure Jones in 1953 and he joined the squad for the 1954 campaign. He played offensive tackle for one season before switching to guard in 1955. He remained there until making his move to defense.

Following the 1965 season, the Bears honored Jones request to be traded to the Washington Redskins so he could play close to his home in Rockville, Maryland. He finished his career with the Redskins in 1966.

Jones was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He passed away in 2010.