Steven Jones Jr.

Jones committed to Appalachian State University, spending his first season as a redshirt. In his second year, 2018, he appeared in 13 games, mainly on special teams. In a 72–7 win over Gardner–Webb, he blocked two punts and returned one for his first career touchdown. His performance earned him Sun Belt Conference Special Team Player of the Week honors. He made five tackles in the season.^[1]

As a sophomore in 2019, Jones started two games and appeared in a total of 13, making seven tackles. He played in every games in the following season, being the third cornerback on the team's depth chart. He returned interceptions for 97 total yards and scored a touchdown against Troy. He also served as the Appalachian State kick returner, averaging 21.9 yards per return.^[1]

As a senior in 2021, Jones appeared in all 14 games and started all but one. He made 51 tackles and ranked top 20 in the nation for passes defended with 13. In a game against Arkansas State, he made three interceptions and returned two for touchdowns, earning the Walter Camp and Bronko Nagurski awards for best defensive player of the week.^[2] He placed second in the nation and first in his conference with five interceptions on the year, and was first nationally in interceptions returned for touchdowns. At the end of the year, Jones was named first-team All-American by the Football Writers Association of America.^[3] He was also a first-team all-conference selection.^[1]

Jones was signed by the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023.^[5] He was waived on August 29, 2023.^[6]

On December 20, 2023, Jones signed with the Arlington Renegades of the XFL. He re-signed with the team on October 8, 2024.^[7]