Jones was a highly recruited high school prospect, and he decided to attend East Carolina University (ECU) in 2013. He redshirted his first year but quickly became a standout player for the Pirates. In his sophomore year (2014), Jones had 81 receptions for 830 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that up with a stellar junior year (2015) in which he had a nation-leading 1,746 receiving yards and eight touchdowns.
Jones continued to improve in his senior year (2016), setting a new NCAA record for career receptions with 399. He also had 1,544 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns that year, which earned him unanimous first-team All-American honors.
After his successful college career, Jones was drafted in the second round (37th overall) by the Buffalo Bills in the 2017 NFL Draft. He initially struggled to transition to the NFL, with only 27 catches for 316 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season.
However, Jones showed improvement in the following season, with 56 catches for 652 yards and seven touchdowns. He was also the recipient of the team’s Ed Block Courage Award, which is given to players who display courage in the face of adversity.
Unfortunately, Jones’s third year in the NFL was cut short when he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 5. He only had seven catches for 69 yards in those five games. He was then traded to the Raiders in 2019.
In his first season with the Raiders, Jones had 27 catches for 266 yards and three touchdowns. However, he missed the last four games of the season due to a hamstring injury. In the 2020 season, Jones had a reduced role in the team’s offense, with only 14 catches for 154 yards and no touchdowns.
Jones’s struggles in the NFL can be attributed to several factors, including injuries and changes in the team’s offensive system. However, he remains a talented player with excellent hands and route-running ability. He also possesses a strong work ethic, which has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.
Despite his struggles, Jones remains optimistic about his future in the NFL. He stated in an interview with ESPN that he’s ready to prove himself and that he’s always striving to be better.
In conclusion, Zay Jones is an American football wide receiver who has had a remarkable career in college football. He has faced some challenges in the NFL but remains a talented player with a strong work ethic. With his perseverance and determination, Jones has the potential to become a star in the NFL. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.