Jeffrey Lurie Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
Jeffrey Lurie Chairman and Chief Executive Officer | Philadelphia Eagles Website
The Philadelphia Eagles, in their search for a punter in 2013, signed two former LSU Tigers with vastly different levels of experience. Donnie Jones, a seventh-round draft pick by Seattle in 2004 and a two-time All-Pro, joined the Eagles as a veteran free agent after playing for the Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, and Houston Texans. Alongside him was rookie free agent Brad Wing, who left LSU early to pursue an NFL career.
Jones recalled his initial encounter with Wing: "I think it was maybe in 2012 when I was with the Texans, Brad was at LSU and I'd come home in the offseason," he said. He learned the Aussie punt from Wing's father, David. "I remember him saying something like, 'Yeah, I don't mind working with you now, but next year, Brad will be your competition.'"
Despite being one of the more experienced players on the team under first-year Head Coach Chip Kelly, Jones did not see himself as a leader. "I think over time, being one of the older guys, I guess you kind of establish yourself," he said. "But I don't think I ever really saw myself as that (a leader)."
Jones played five seasons with Philadelphia and contributed to their Super Bowl LII victory in 2017 under Head Coach Doug Pederson. Reflecting on that season, Jones noted: "I thought it was a group of guys who just worked extremely well together... It was a true team."
In his time with the Eagles, Jones achieved notable statistics: 374 punts for a gross average of 45.4 yards per punt and a net average of 40.5 yards—both second all-time in team history.
After retiring following his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2018, Jones settled back in Baton Rouge with his family. He focuses on spending time with his children: son Weston and daughter Addison.
"I've always told him [Weston], 'Look, I want you to find something that you want to do and work at it,'" Jones shared about his son’s activities at Catholic High School.
Jones also spoke about adjusting to life post-NFL: "It's been six years since I finished. I kind of just live a low-key quiet life."
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