Calvin Jones, a former Nebraska running back who gained over 3,000 yards during his college career and was part of the Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl-winning team in 1996, has passed away at the age of 54.
Jones’ body was found in the basement of a house in north Omaha on Wednesday night. The police have not confirmed the cause of death yet, as they are waiting for an autopsy.
A close friend of Jones, Jo Dusatko, shared with the Omaha World-Herald that carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected. She mentioned that the furnace in the house wasn’t working, and Jones had been using a generator in the basement.
Jones’ College Career at Nebraska
Before entering the NFL, Jones was a standout player at Central High School, where he earned All-American honors. At Nebraska, he rushed for 3,166 yards and 40 touchdowns, earning All-Big Eight honors in 1992 and 1993.
He teamed up with Derek Brown in the backfield, and together they were known as the “We-Backs,” named after the Cornhuskers’ I-back position.
In 1991, Jones was a backup to Brown, but he made a huge impact when he ran for a Big Eight freshman-record 294 yards and six touchdowns in a 59-23 win over Kansas. His rushing total in that game still ranks No. 2 on Nebraska’s single-game rushing list.
Jones declared for the NFL draft in 1994 and was selected in the third round by the Oakland Raiders. He played for the Raiders for two seasons, appearing in 15 games, with 27 carries for 112 yards and two receptions for 6 yards. Jones also spent some time with the Green Bay Packers during their Super Bowl-winning season in 1996, though he did not have any carries in the game.
