Remembering Homer Jones

Remembering Homer Jones and his great speed, long touchdowns and less than big effort calisthenics, (he did not need them) brings me to good memories, regarding glorious days and people.

Mr. Jones died this week at the age of 82.

Once, he took a 98 yard touchdown pass from Earl Morrall.

Another time, at one point well into an NFL season, he was averaging over 40 yards per reception, a truly astounding feat.

It was fun to watch and on a couple of occasions via the first two Michael Santasieris, (Michael Dante is a third), I saw the Giants and Homer play at Yankee Stadium.

This was such a great treat and as cited here many times, my team was the Cleveland Browns, not the Giants.

Did Homer not quite finish the pre game exercises? Maybe, as it seems it was said.

Oh, could he play and players such as Homer made the sport grow, to its very likely too high popularity and negative, of today.

Yet, for once, I can think back sans guilt, about liking it so much. Players such as Homer Jones make that possible.

Finally, two second half, opening kickoff return touchdowns, each called by Keith Jackson on ABC will hopefully always resonate, as things of beauty in my mind.

In 1974, the great Anthony Davis did so against Notre Dame, the 7th-12th of an incredible 55 straight USC points to (55-24) Notre Dame in late November.

It was over four years earlier, with Jackson in his only year as Monday Night Football lead announcer (with Mr. Cosell there I guess lead is ?–alas Jackson doing play by play) and in the first “packaged” Monday Night tilt, Homer “first named” a touchdown, in an eventual Browns’ (31-21) win vs the New York Jets.

Keep running now Homer, you are among so many greats we have lost, just in recent times, however, know that thoughts and visions of your plays are great keepsakes in the minds of many.

Thank you Homer!

As above, you saw Homer and then he was gone, then for a long touchdown, now to a hopefully better place.