Super Bowl Champion and Nebraska Cornhuskers Legend Calvin Jones Dies at 54
Omaha, NE – Super Bowl champion and Nebraska Cornhuskers legend Calvin Jones died on Wednesday at the age of 54. Jones’ death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, according to the Omaha police department, who responded to a call about a gas odor coming from his home.
Jones, an Omaha native, was a standout running back for the Cornhuskers from 1991 to 1993, earning numerous accolades, including leading the Big 8 conference in scoring in each of his freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and leading the conference in rushing yards and yards per attempt in his sophomore season.
Jones was a key player in the development of the “I-back” system at Nebraska, which he used in partnership with fellow running back Derek Brown. This system led to the Cornhuskers’ success, including a trip to the Orange Bowl.
Jones’ success in the college ranks caught the attention of the pro scouts, and he was selected by the Los Angeles Raiders in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He went on to play 15 games over two seasons with the Raiders, rushing for 112 yards on 27 carries.
Jones also played one game for the Green Bay Packers, where he won a Super Bowl in 1997. The cause of his death is pending the results of an autopsy report.
