Former wide receiver James Jones is back in the NFL spotlight as he announces picks at the 2025 NFL Draft.
A Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, Jones had a reliable and consistent nine-year career in the league. Known for his physical playing style and strong hands, Jones made his mark both on the field and now in the broadcast booth as an NFL Network analyst and co-host of “The Facility” on FS1.
James Jones’ Early Life and High School Career
James DeAndre Jones was born on March 31, 1984, in San Jose, Calif. He experienced a difficult upbringing, spending much of his early life in homeless shelters with his mother, Janet. During his high school years, Jones moved in with his paternal grandmother, which provided more stability.
Jones attended Gunderson High School in San Jose, where he excelled as a multi-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball, and track and field. He began as a quarterback but eventually transitioned to wide receiver, earning team MVP honors in his senior year.
Jones credits his Pop Warner coach, Marion Larrea, for being a key mentor who changed the course of his life. His raw talent and determination laid the foundation for his future in football.
Jones’ College Career
Jones stayed local for college, committing to San Jose State University. After three seasons of moderate production, he broke out as a senior in 2006. That year, Jones caught 70 passes for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns, becoming one of the top wideouts in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).
He played a major role in San Jose State’s win at the inaugural New Mexico Bowl, earning Offensive MVP honors by recording six catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. His strong senior season earned him second-team All-WAC recognition and an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Jones’ NFL Career
Jones was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round (78th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft. Over a nine-year career, he gained a reputation for his reliability and clutch catches. He played 136 games total, missing only eight across his career, and finished with 433 receptions, 5,861 receiving yards, and 51 touchdowns.
His best season came in 2012 when he led the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns. In 2011, he played a pivotal role in helping the Packers win Super Bowl 45 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones also had stints with the Raiders, but returned to Green Bay in 2015 to close out his career. He ranks 11th in Packers history in receptions, 14th in receiving yards, and 11th in touchdowns.
