Calvin Jones, former Nebraska running back, dies at 54

Calvin Jones, who played running back at Nebraska from 1990-93, has died, according to KETV NewsWatch 7. He was 54 years old.

“A close family friend told KETV that Jones was having problems with his furnace, his home was cold and had to use a generator,” Jake Anderson wrote. “According to a police report, officers responded to the home to help Omaha Fire with an odor of gas.

“Jones was found deceased in the basement of the residence. Omaha police told KETV that it’s indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Calvin Jones is a legend in the Cornhusker State. He first gained acclaim for his outstanding play at Omaha Central, where he shattered Class A single-game (367 yards), single-season (2,196 yards) and career (3,965 yards) rushing records.

Jones was also a standout in track and field, securing five gold medals at the state track meet, including the 100 and 200-meter dashes as a senior. Additionally, Jones was a member of Omaha Central’s winning 400-meter relay team.

Jones didn’t stray far from home in college, electrifying Cornhuskers fans for four years at Nebraska. Jones finished his collegiate career with 3,166 yards and 40 rushing touchdowns. In 1992, Jones racked up a career-high 1,210 rushing yards.

He was a pivotal piece of Nebraska’s beloved “We Back” backfield. Fueled by Jones’ rushing prowess, Nebraska won three straight conference championships from 1991-93.

For his efforts, Jones was drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the No. 80 overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft. He played for the Raiders for two years before joining the Green Bay Packers for the 1996 campaign.

In Jones’ lone season in Green Bay, the Packers won Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots. Jones finished his NFL career with 27 carries for 112 rushing yards.

In 2000, Jones made a return to the football field, suiting up for the Omaha Beef, an indoor football team based in Omaha, Nebraska. The Beef made the playoffs in Jones’ lone season with the team.

Jones received no shortage of awards for his efforts during his football career. The Nebraska native was a consensus All-Big 8 selection in 1992 and ’93. Moreover, he was a Third-Team All-American in the latter year.

On a more sentimental note, Jones was inducted into the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame in 2004, and the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2019. Jones’ legacy will not be forgotten.