As Jones retires, he brings football’s dangers to forefront

Byron Jones left St. Paul-Bristol for UConn in 2010 and became an NFL prospect over four seasons as a Husky.

Jones, a New Britain native, was the 27th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft on the heels of an unforgettable athletic showing at the draft combine. He became an All-Pro cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys before securing an $82 million contract with the Miami Dolphins in 2020.

Yet at age 30, Jones appears finished with football.

Jones abruptly ended his career with a February tweet that referenced his physical issues. He said he “can’t run or jump because of my injuries sustained playing this game,” contrasting his current state to his combine performance that included an unofficial world record for the standing long jump (12 feet, three inches).

What happened? Jones had knee issues and missed the entire 2022 season after having ankle and Achilles surgery. The issues have apparently left a lasting impact on one of the great pure athletes to come out of Connecticut.

And his path has led to some in and out of the game to consider the toll football takes on the body.

“Unfortunately, we play a violent sport,” said UConn receiver coach Kashif Moore, who was Jones’ teammate at UConn. “A gladiator sport where guys do get hurt and injured. But he had a great career and he is a great person more importantly.”

Moore pursued an NFL career before moving into coaching. He remains committed to the sport.

But he also acknowledges the risks. His boss, Jim Mora, is a football lifer, the son of an NFL