Former NFL wide receiver Homer Jones, who is recognized for being the first NFL player to spike the football after a touchdown, died at age 82 after a battle with lung cancer on Wednesday.
His daughter, Lacarroll Jones Nickelberry, confirmed the death to KLTV-TV in northeast Texas. Jones was born, lived and graduated high school in Pittsburg, Texas. Jones is recognized as the first player to spike a football, having performed the celebration after a score in a 1965 game for the Giants.
“Homer Jones had a unique combination of speed and power and was a threat to score whenever he touched the ball,” Giants president John Mara said in a press release. “He was one of the first players [if not the first] to spike the ball in the end zone after scoring a touchdown and he quickly became a fan favorite. I remember him as an easygoing, friendly individual who was well liked by his teammates and coaches.”
