Tiger Jones Returns to Sharks for 2016
October 19, 2015 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Jacksonville Sharks News Release
JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Sharks announced Monday that wide receiver Tiger Jones will return to the team on a one-year contract, as Jones has been assigned to the Jacksonville roster. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"In 2015, we were fortunate to get Tiger and we are very happy that he has decided to return for the 2016 season," Sharks head coach Les Moss said. "He has established himself as one of the great leaders on our team, and is someone who sets a good example on and off the field. He is willing to help the younger players and is obviously a favorite target for Tommy. This is great news as we continue to build from where we left off in 2015."
The 33-year-old Jones (5'11", 195) joined the Sharks prior to the start of the 2015 season, and quickly became a major piece of the team's offense. Starting each of the team's 18 regular-season games, Jones led all Arena Football League players with 2,087 receiving yards in what was his fourth career 2,000-yard season. Jones finished second among Sharks with 148 receptions and 38 touchdown catches, adding a pair of scores on the ground as well. As a result of his spectacular performance, Jones earned a spot on the All-Arena First Team, his fifth career All-Arena honor.
En route to his fourth individual 2,000-yard season in the last five years, Jones displayed remarkable consistency. He began the 2015 season with six consecutive 100-yard games, and totaled 100 more yards 14 times during the regular season. In a Week 3 matchup with the Philadelphia Soul, Jones established a new single-game franchise record with 239 receiving yards. That contest was also the second of Jones' back-to-back five-touchdown performances.
Long known for his creative touchdown celebrations, Jones garnered national attention following the Sharks' Week 18 victory over the Tampa Bay Storm. Following his fourth-quarter touchdown catch, Jones and teammate Moqut Ruffins recreated "The People's Elbow," the finishing move made famous by The Rock during his professional wrestling career. Footage of Jones' celebration was picked by nearly every major national sports website.
Jones' storied Arena Football League career began with the Georgia Force in 2008. He later played with the Milwaukee Iron in 2010 and Dallas Vigilantes in 2011 before spending three seasons with the Philadelphia Soul. Jones has totaled at least 96 receptions, 1,200 yards and 29 touchdowns in each of his seven AFL seasons. With 937 receptions, 13,210 receiving yards and 268 receiving touchdowns to his name, Jones ranks among the top 10 all-time in each major receiving category.
Prior to the start of his professional career, Jones played at the University of Louisville. Jones is a native of Mobile, Alabama.
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