D. J. Jones (defensive lineman)

David Oliver "D. J." Jones (born January 19, 1995) is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL).^[1] He played college football at Ole Miss. Jones was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL draft.^[2]

After impressive years throughout high school, Jones was heavily recruited for football by colleges throughout the U.S.

Jones began his college career at the East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Mississippi, the school that was featured in the 2016 Netflix documentary "Last Chance U". As a two-year starter during his two seasons, Jones helped guide East Mississippi to a perfect 24–0 record and two NJCAA national championships. In 2013, as a freshman, he played in 12 games and registered 49 tackles, 8.0 sacks, 5.0 tackles-for-loss and 1 forced fumble. As a sophomore, he earned MACJC all-region and all-state honors and recorded 29 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, and 2 forced fumbles in 12 games. Prior to transferring, Jones was listed as the No. 3 junior college prospect in the country by 247sports.com and ESPN.com.

He transferred to the University of Mississippi for the 2015 season. After transferring, Jones immediately became one of the strongest Rebels. According to NFL.com, he benched 440 pounds, squatted 650 pounds and had a max clean of 330 pounds when he finished his time at East Mississippi Community College.^[3]

In two seasons at Ole Miss, Jones played in 25 games, with 15 starts, and registered 70 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 8.5 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass deflection. In 2016, as a senior, he started all 12 games and tallied 30 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 3.0 tackles-for-loss, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. As a junior, he played in 13 games, starting three of them, and notched 40 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 5.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1 forced fumble.^[4]

Jones was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round, 198th overall, in the 2017 NFL draft.^[7] Jones was a big part of the Niners defensive line rotation and a stalwart against the run. He improved from his rookie to his sophomore year, with the analytic website Pro Football Focus noting his grade against the run improved from 57.5 as a rookie to 63.9 in 2018.^{[citation needed]} He was in on 13 percent of defensive snaps in 2017 and 22 percent in 2018. On October 27, 2019, Jones got his first career sack on Kyle Allen of the Carolina Panthers.

In 2019, Jones started 11 games before suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 14. He was placed on injured reserve on December 14, 2019.^[8]

Jones was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the team on November 23, 2020,^[9] and activated on December 2.^[10]

Jones re-signed with the 49ers on a one-year contract on March 22, 2021.^[11]

On March 17, 2022, Jones signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Denver Broncos.^[12]

On October 7, 2019, Jones and his girlfriend, Kayla Fannin, got engaged on the field at Levi's Stadium in the hours leading up to the kickoff against the Cleveland Browns. Jones decided to pop the question to his girlfriend, Kayla Fannin, ahead of the San Francisco 49ers Monday Night Football. Fannin and family gathered on the sidelines for pregame photos when Jones distracted his girlfriend and dropped to a knee behind her. The emotional affair was featured on the video boards across Levi's Stadium.

In 2020, Jones announced, on Instagram, his marriage to Kayla and wedding pictures were posted.^[13]

• Denver Broncos bio
• Ole Miss Rebels bio