Bert Jones, Former Player

Bert Jones: LSU Photograph Collection,
RG #A5000, Louisiana State University Archives,
LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, LA.

Bert Jones

Born on September 7, 1951, in Ruston, Louisiana, Jones played quarterback at LSU and in the NFL. Jones came to LSU in 1969, where he was a member of both the football team and the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Jones, known as the “Ruston Rifle” for his strong arm, also became the first quarterback in LSU history to be awarded consensus All-American honors. LSU played in three bowl games during his career and won an SEC title his sophomore year. The Tigers compiled a 26-6-1 record during his career. His most notable feats were against Notre Dame in 1971 (28-8), and versus Ole Miss in 1972 when, with time expired, he threw a touchdown pass to running back, Brad Davis, for a 17-16 LSU victory. Jones was voted to the first team All-SEC Team in 1972, and placed fourth in the balloting for the 1972 Heisman Trophy.

Bert Jones was the first pick in 1973 NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts, and later played for the Los Angeles Rams. During his eight-year tenure as the Colts' starting QB, Jones and his teammates enjoyed three consecutive AFC East division titles (1975–77).

Jones now owns and operates a wood treatment facility about fifteen miles from his home in Simsboro, Louisiana. Jones is a former appointee to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and is active in environmental and outdoors activities.

Bert Jones’ interview is housed in the T. Harry Williams Center for Oral History at LSU Libraries Special Collections. Jones, Bert, Tyler LaFauci, Brad Davis and Boots Garland, interview by John Ferguson, audio recording, 1993, 4700.0260. Louisiana and Lower Mississippi Valley Collections, LSU Libraries, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.