Calvin Jones, a former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion with the Green Bay Packers, has died at 54.
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Jones, a former Nebraska college football star and part of the Green Bay Packers’ 1997 Super Bowl-winning team, was found dead Wednesday in his Omaha home by first responders.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Husker legend and Super Bowl Champion, Calvin Jones.
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) January 24, 2025
Our hearts go out to the Jones family and he will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/fCsYkOvB4k
Omaha police told ABC affiliate KETV that Jones’ death appeared to be consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Jones reportedly mentioned to his neighbor that he was struggling with his furnace, leaving his home cold. As a result, he had to rely on a generator for warmth.
Responding to reports of a gas odor emanating from the property, police officers joined the fire department at the scene. Upon investigation, they discovered Jones deceased in the basement.
Jones played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1990 to 1993, racking up 3,166 rushing yards and scoring 40 touchdowns, according to local Omaha outlet WOWT 6.
In 1992, he and fellow I-back Derek Brown formed a dynamic duo, averaging an impressive 329 rushing yards per game. Their remarkable performance propelled the Huskers to claim the national team rushing title and secure an Orange Bowl appearance. That season, Jones and Brown earned the nickname “We-Backs,” a testament to their unparalleled synergy and dominance in Osborne’s high-powered rushing offense.
In memory of Calvin Jones.
— Paul Jake Jacobsen (@HuskerTapes) January 24, 2025
In 1991 vs Kansas, the Cornhuskers trailed 17-0.
Behind Calvin's record setting day of 294 yards and 6 touchdowns, Nebraska won 59-24. pic.twitter.com/ynEMRLjRhe
Jones is also widely regarded as one of the greatest high school football players in Nebraska’s history. A standout at Omaha Central, he earned prep All-American honors while breaking multiple records, including most rushing yards in a single game, single season, and over an entire career.
Calvin Jones Joins the NFL
Jones was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 1994 NFL Draft. He spent two seasons with the team before concluding his NFL career with the Packers in his final year.
Jones played a key role in Green Bay’s 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, held in New Orleans. Over the course of his NFL career, which spanned 16 games, he accumulated 112 rushing yards.
In 2000, he spent a season playing for the Omaha Beef, an arena football team.
Jones earned his place in the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame with his induction in 2004.