He was drafted in 1963 by his hometown team, the Houston Oilers of the American Football League, but suffered a knee injury in training camp and was cut.

Jones was an nationally accomplished sprinter, finishing 3rd at the 1962 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the 220 yards.

Having seen players such as Giants teammate Frank Gifford and Green Bay Packers star Paul Hornung celebrate touchdowns by throwing the ball at opposing fans in the stands, Jones decided to come up with his own, safer post-touchdown maneuver.

In January 1970, Jones was traded to the Browns in exchange for running back Ron Johnson and veteran defensive lineman Jim Kanicki.

The Browns were in the market for a new wide receiver after having traded all-pro Paul Warfield to the Miami Dolphins.