Vi Jones Bio
Vi Jones is an American professional football linebacker born on May 5, 1998, in Austin, Texas. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 225 pounds, he has built his career as an inside linebacker in the National Football League. Jones attended Westlake High School in Austin before playing college football for the USC Trojans and later the NC State Wolfpack.
After going unselected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent and began his professional journey. Since then, he has spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was claimed by the Arizona Cardinals, continuing to pursue his role at the highest level of American football.
Early Life and Background
Vi Jones was raised in Austin, Texas, where he grew up in a family deeply rooted in professional football. His father, Robert Jones, played linebacker in the NFL for ten seasons, giving his son an early and constant view of what a professional football career looked like. The household included brothers who also pursued the sport, which made football a daily topic at home and a natural path for Vi to follow.
He attended Westlake High School in Austin, a program with a strong record of sending athletes to top college programs. During his high school years, Jones developed the frame and physical tools that would later serve him as a linebacker, including the height and strength needed to compete at the next level. His football upbringing, combined with his high school training, helped shape his approach to the game.
Coming from a football family, Jones was exposed to film study, training habits, and professional routines from a young age. That environment helped him understand the commitment required to reach the NFL, and it prepared him for the transition from high school standout to college prospect.
Path to American Football
Jones committed to the University of Southern California, where he joined the USC Trojans football program. He played for the Trojans during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, working through early college development and adjusting to the speed and complexity of a top-tier program. After his time at USC, Jones decided to transfer and continue his college career elsewhere.
He transferred to North Carolina State University, joining the NC State Wolfpack for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. At NC State, Jones continued to grow as a linebacker, building the experience and visibility he would need heading into the NFL. His college path through two competitive programs gave him a broad foundation before entering the professional ranks.
Following the 2021 college season, Jones declared for the 2022 NFL Draft. He went undrafted, but his college resume and pro family background kept him on the radar of NFL teams looking for developmental linebacker talent.
Vi Jones Career
Early Career (2022)
After the 2022 NFL Draft concluded without his name being called, Jones signed with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. The Seahawks waived him during the final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, but signed him to their practice squad the following day. That quick return kept him inside the organization and gave him a chance to keep developing within the Seahawks’ system.
Jones was elevated to the Seahawks’ active roster on November 12, 2022, and made his professional debut the next day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In that Week 10 game, he appeared on ten special teams snaps. He went back to the practice squad afterward, then was elevated again to play in the Seahawks’ Week 13 and Week 14 games before returning to the practice squad between appearances. A final elevation came on December 31, and he finished his rookie season having played three games for Seattle.
Seattle Seahawks Era (2022)
Jones’ first NFL chapter was defined by movement between the practice squad and the active roster. The Seahawks used his elevation opportunities to get him game reps, particularly on special teams, while he continued to learn the defense. He appeared in three games during the 2022 season, contributing on coverage and protection units.
On August 29, 2023, the Seahawks waived Jones, ending his time in Seattle. Despite the limited number of games on his resume, his rookie year provided him with regular-season experience and a clearer picture of the standards required to stay in the league.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Era (2023–2024)
On November 22, 2023, Jones signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad, beginning his next professional chapter. The Buccaneers released him on December 12, re-signed him to the practice squad on December 19, and released him again on January 10, 2024. On January 30, 2024, he signed a reserve and future contract with Tampa Bay, securing a path back to the offseason program.
The Buccaneers waived Jones on August 27, 2024, but re-signed him to the practice squad the same day. He was promoted to the active roster on November 29, 2024, giving him another opportunity to contribute on game day. His time in Tampa Bay showed steady persistence, as he continued to move between the practice squad and active roster while building his resume.
Arizona Cardinals Era (2024–Present)
On December 30, 2024, the Arizona Cardinals claimed Jones off waivers, bringing him into their organization. The move offered him a fresh opportunity to compete for a linebacker role heading into the following season. Jones joined a Cardinals team that included his older brother, Zay Jones, a wide receiver on the roster.
On August 25, 2025, the Cardinals waived Jones. His path through Arizona, like his earlier stops, reflected the constant competition for roster spots at the linebacker position. He continues to work toward another opportunity in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a linebacker, Jones has relied on his size, length, and special teams value to earn roster opportunities. His movement between practice squads and active rosters shows teams have viewed him as a reliable depth piece who can contribute on coverage units while developing on defense.
Notable Events and Milestones
Jones made his NFL debut on November 13, 2022, against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers while a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He played three games during his rookie season and has since appeared on rosters for three NFL franchises, marking steady persistence through the league’s waiver and practice squad system.
Vi Jones Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Vi Jones is the son of Robert Jones, a linebacker who played ten seasons in the NFL. Growing up around the game gave him direct exposure to the routines and standards required at the professional level. His brothers, Zay Jones, a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, and Cayleb Jones, a former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver, also pursued NFL careers.
Jones is also the nephew of former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake, adding another layer of professional football experience to his family background. The family’s football history has shaped his understanding of the league and continues to connect him to the sport through his relatives.
Personal Life
Jones maintains an active presence on social media, including accounts on X and Instagram under the handle thevijones. He continues to focus on his professional football career, drawing on the support of his football family as he works to secure a long-term role in the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
Jones entered the 2025 offseason with the Arizona Cardinals after being claimed off waivers at the end of the 2024 season. The Cardinals waived him on August 25, 2025, placing him back into the league’s waiver and free agent pool. His roster status reflects the competitive nature of linebacker depth charts across the NFL.
Throughout his career, Jones has shown persistence by signing reserve and future contracts and earning practice squad promotions. That pattern of patience and preparation has defined his professional path since 2022. His next opportunity will likely depend on injuries, scheme fits, and continued special teams value.
Looking ahead, Jones remains focused on returning to an active NFL roster. His combination of size, football background, and special teams experience keeps him in consideration for depth roles, and his family ties to the league provide a strong support system as he works toward his next chapter.