Remembering David “Deacon” Jones
David “Deacon” Jones died yesterday. So few are truly great in even one category, but Mr. Jones certainly was a true great when rushing the passer.
You will read about sacks and no stats for such, when Jones, part of the Los Angeles Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome,” played in the NFL, peaking in the late 1960’s.
One does not need stats to attest to Jones’ greatness, one only needed to see him play.
Though the Rams never even made a Super Bowl appearance, they had some tremendous teams including the 1967 team that won the Coastal Division (remember the Coastal Division?!!). That team had just one loss, beating an undefeated Baltimore Colts’ team in the final game to claim the crown.
In those days, home field was not based on record, and the (11 wins, 1 loss, 2 ties) Rams had to go to Green Bay where they lost to the (9 wins, 4 losses, 1 tie) Packers.
Sadly, with “Deacon’s” death, only Rosey Grier remains from the original “Fearsome Foursome.” The great player, Roger Brown, who replaced Grier after the latter’s retirement, is alive.
Both Merlin Olsen and Lamar Lundy, the other members of the original “Fearsome Foursome,” are deceased. We cite on this 45th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy’s tragic death, the fact Mr. Grier, a friend of Senator Kennedy, was there when the shooting occurred.
Deacon Jones gained commercial success and did some acting. He was not in “Brian’s Song” but in a great dinner scene, James Caan playing the tragic hero Brian Piccolo, talks of a busted play vs the Rams. He runs right into that great line and laments saying “Hello Deacon, hello Merlin (Olsen) how’s the family?
Now David can join Merlin and “Pic” and look after the family that should be the human race. Maybe it will help.
click to see Deacon Jones on pop culture TV Show
Andy B Sports 
Doug, I just read your comment early on August 20th. Two Jennings stories, the first at Pace University where the Giants trained and I attended.
In 1974 the football goes over the high fence of an enclosed area where the Giants are practicing.I get the ball and seriously think of keeping it when Dave Jennings “advises” me not to do that. I threw the ball back over the fence.
In 1992, Doug Ingber did a great job editing a nice tribute show to legendary broadcaster, Marty Glickman. Dave Jennings was gracious and eloquent in his tribute to Marty.Jennings worked with Marty and was an excellent football analyst.18 years later, I did not talk about the football that went over the fence.
As with so many people we have admired, Jennings has gone “over the fence” hopefully to a place without “fences.” He was a good brave man and thank you for your words.
MY TWITTER CHAT WITH PAUL DOTTINO ABOUT DAVE JENNINGS
Doug ……Class act saw him Punt at the Yale Bowl as a kid RIP Dave
he was so popular remember he dated Michele March from the ch 2 news remember that Paul???
Paul Dottino…….yes, followed Tom Blanchard
Doug….dindt Blanchard follow Ernie Coy #23 RB/P??
Paul…… Koy nicked up in ’70 so bill johnson did most..blanchard in 71
Doug………my dad has Parkinson he’s the one who took me to Yankee Stadium from 67-73 then Yale Bowl 73-74 Shea 75