Spectacular punt returns are Jones’ hallmark
Sparkplug thankful for opportunity after injuries almost derailed football career
Christion Jones is more than an electrifying returner with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
He is a sparkplug whose puntreturn touchdowns have played key roles in victories over the Ottawa Redblacks and Calgary Stampeders.
“You can really call it a coincidence or something that we needed,” said Jones, who has helped the Roughriders secure their first CFL playoff berth since 2014. “Maybe you can say that they were tired on their punt team or we were more energetic. Whatever you can say, it happened and we feed off those things.”
On Sept. 29, the visiting Riders trailed the Redblacks 17-0 when Jones returned a punt 97 yards for a touchdown. Saskatchewan would go on to win 18-17.
On Friday, Jones opened the scoring for the Riders on a 61-yard punt return as they upset the host Calgary Stampeders 30-7.
Jones exhibited his patience while picking his way through Calgary’s punt-coverage team. He wasn’t touched by any player and had enough open field to complete a front flip into the end zone.
“That was just something I thought about by the time I reached the five-yard line,” Jones said. “It was one of those deals where I always wanted to do it and I got the opportunity. You might see more of that, for sure.”
Jones, 24, has emerged as one of the CFL’s premier returners in his rookie season. In eight regularseason games, he has returned 36 punts for 573 yards and the aforementioned touchdowns. He has also returned 17 kickoffs for 383 yards.
Jones’ average of 15.9 yards per punt return is second to Calgary’s Roy Finch (16.8 yards). Finch leads the CFL with three punt returns for touchdowns, followed by Jones, Calgary’s Tunde Adeleke and the Toronto Argonauts’ Martese Jackson with two each.
“Punt returners have to be fearless and that’s one of the biggest things he does,” said Chris Jones, the Riders’ head coach and general manager. “He’s willing to hit it up inside and then bounce out when the opportunity arises.”
Christion Jones took advantage of his opportunities while with the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, for whom he played from 2011 to 2014.
During four seasons with the Crimson Tide, Jones returned 68 kickoffs for 1,727 yards and two touchdowns as well as 66 punts for 719 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 85 passes for 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns.
Jones wasn’t selected in the 2015 NFL draft, but signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins cut him in 2015. He re-signed with Miami in 2016 but was cut in that off-season.
He then signed with the Argonauts in 2016, but was released after training camp. He was out of football before getting the call from Chris Jones and signing with the Riders on July 17.
“Hamstring injuries have been the kryptonite for my body before coming here,” Christion Jones said. “I definitely had moments where I knew it was over with. God does different things for you. Coach Jones called and here we are.”
Saskatchewan’s initial plan was to feature veteran Chad Owens as its primary returner, but a lingering foot injury prevented that from happening.
A series of other injuries to the Riders’ punt returners cleared the way for Jones, who made his debut in a 30-15 loss to the B.C. Lions on Aug. 5. He appeared in two more games before being sidelined for three contests with a shoulder injury.
He’s healthy now and has grown more appreciative of the opportunity with the Riders with each passing game.
“(Being out of football) humbled me,” Jones said. “Every day before I start catching balls, I sit on that bench and thank God that I’m here because I could be doing something totally different. That I don’t know, but it would be working for somebody.”
NOTES: Slotback Naaman Roosevelt (concussion), linebacker Samuel Eguavoen (undisclosed) and tailback Cameron Marshall (undisclosed) won’t play Friday when the Riders host the Montreal Alouettes. Chris Jones said they could have played if needed, but he wants them to be as healthy as possible heading into the post-season ... Kacy Rodgers II will return to his regular position as boundary cornerback. Jones said Duron Carter will still see two-way action at cornerback and wide receiver with Rodgers back on the active roster.
I definitely had moments where I knew it was over with. God does different things for you. Coach Jones called and here we are.