Justin Jones Bio
Justin Maurice Jones is an American professional football nose tackle who was born on August 28, 1996, in Bronx, New York. He plays in the National Football League and has built his reputation as a defensive lineman capable of occupying multiple blockers in the middle of the trenches. Jones attended South Cobb High School before going on to play college football at North Carolina State University, where he developed into one of the top defensive tackle prospects of his draft class. He entered the league in 2018 and has since played for the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chicago Bears, and the Arizona Cardinals. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 300 pounds, Jones brings a sturdy, run-stopping presence to any defensive front.
Early Life and Background
Justin Maurice Jones was raised in the Bronx, New York, where he grew up surrounded by the energy and grit of one of America’s most storied boroughs. As a young athlete, he developed an early passion for football and channeled that interest into a focused pursuit of the sport. His family later relocated to Georgia, where he continued his football journey at South Cobb High School. The move allowed Jones to refine his skills in a region known for producing strong defensive line talent.
At South Cobb, Jones emerged as a promising defensive lineman, drawing attention from college recruiters for his combination of size, quickness, and physicality. His development during these formative years laid the foundation for what would become a successful collegiate career. By the time he finished high school, Jones had earned the attention of several programs looking for interior defensive linemen.
Path to American Football
Jones committed to North Carolina State University, where he joined the NC State Wolfpack football program. During his time in Raleigh, he steadily grew into one of the most reliable defensive tackles in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He became known for his ability to anchor against the run, collapse pockets, and disrupt opposing backfields from the interior.
Following his senior season with the Wolfpack, Jones was selected to play in the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl, a premier showcase for top NFL draft prospects. He impressed scouts with his agility during practice sessions and strengthened his draft stock throughout the week. Jones also attended the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, where he completed all combine and positional drills, and later appeared at NC State’s pro day in March 2018. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, NFL draft experts and scouts projected him as a fifth or sixth round pick, while Scouts Inc. ranked him as the 14th best defensive tackle prospect and DraftScout.com listed him as the 20th best defensive tackle in the 2018 draft class.
Justin Jones Career
Early Career (2018-2021)
The Los Angeles Chargers selected Jones in the third round, 84th overall, of the 2018 NFL draft. He was the eighth defensive tackle taken in that year’s draft. On May 13, 2018, the Chargers signed him to a four-year, $3.62 million contract that included a signing bonus of $854,140. Jones quickly earned a role as a rotational player on the defensive line, providing valuable snaps at nose tackle and three-technique.
His early Chargers tenure included a pair of stints on injured reserve. On September 26, 2020, Jones was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury before being activated on October 24 of that year. The following season, on October 4, 2021, he was again placed on injured reserve and was activated on October 30. Despite the interruptions, he remained a dependable interior presence throughout his four seasons with the Chargers.
Chicago Bears Era (2022-2023)
On March 18, 2022, Jones signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Chicago Bears. He brought veteran experience to a defensive line in transition and immediately contributed as a starting-caliber nose tackle. His consistency and football intelligence helped stabilize the Bears’ run defense during his two seasons with the team.
Off the field, Jones was recognized for his character and community involvement. On December 5, 2023, he was named the Bears nominee for the 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, an honor that highlights a player’s volunteer and charitable work. That recognition underscored the respect he had earned inside the Bears organization.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2024)
On March 14, 2024, Jones signed a three-year, $30.1 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The deal reflected his value as a proven interior defender. In three games for Arizona, he logged four combined tackles and one fumble recovery, providing early production for the Cardinals’ defensive front.
His Cardinals tenure was interrupted in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, when Jones suffered a torn triceps that ended his season. After working through recovery, Jones was waived on November 17, 2025, concluding his time in Arizona.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Jones’ career, his selection in the third round of the 2018 NFL draft stands as a defining milestone. His Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nomination in 2023 with the Chicago Bears added a meaningful off-field achievement to his resume. The torn triceps injury in Week 3 of the 2024 season marked the most dramatic setback of his professional journey.
Justin Jones Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Justin Maurice Jones’ immediate family and parents are not publicly documented in available sources. His upbringing in the Bronx and later years in Georgia shaped the path that carried him to the NFL.
Personal Life
Jones maintains an active presence on social media, where he is known as Twenty7Savage. Information about his spouse, children, and other personal relationships has not been publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Jones began the 2025 campaign working his way back from the torn triceps he suffered during the 2024 season. His prior contract with the Arizona Cardinals, signed in March 2024, was a three-year agreement worth $30.1 million, tying him to the organization through 2027. His return to full health was the central storyline surrounding his 2025 outlook.
On November 17, 2025, Jones was waived by the Arizona Cardinals, ending his time with the franchise. The move opened the door for him to evaluate potential opportunities elsewhere in the league as he continued his recovery. His experience as a starting-caliber nose tackle with three NFL organizations positioned him as a possible depth and rotation candidate for clubs in need of interior defensive line help.
Looking ahead, Jones’ focus remained on regaining his pre-injury form and reestablishing himself as a reliable contributor on a defensive front. His track record of durability, leadership, and community impact gave him a strong foundation as he worked toward his next chapter in the NFL.