Kelly: Jack Jones is having a season of redemption in Miami | Opinion
Jack Jones finally feels heard, seen, welcomed, and most importantly, understood.
Maybe that changes in a week or two because the Miami Dolphins cornerback is like a live wire - unpredictable - from an emotional standpoint, but the Dolphins gave this fourth-year veteran with a checkered past an opportunity to resume his NFL career, and he’s seemingly capitalizing.
While Jones had had some bad moments, like the pass interference call that extended a critical Carolina Panthers possession on the game-winning drive of Miami’s 27-24 loss to the Panthers in week 5, he’s also directly responsible for two of Miami’s four victories this season.
A fumble he forced at the 1-yard line prevented an early touchdown in Miami’s 27-21 win over the New York Jets, and last Sunday Jones predicted he’d intercept a Marcus Mariota pass right before the overtime period started, and did just that stepping in front of a throw intended for Commanders tight end Zach Ertz on Mariota’s very first pass in the overtime period of Miami’s 16-13 win.
“In these exact words, he said, ‘Ya’ll stop the run. He’s going to throw me the ball because he can’t throw,’“ Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks recalled of the speech Jones gave his fellow defenders before they stepped on the field for the overtime defensive stand. “That’s what he said and that’s what happened.
“He spoke it into existence and won the game for us.”
Upon coach Mike McDaniel announcing he’s earned one of the game balls for the victory, Jones’ teammates erupted in a chant of his name, which is a new celebration the Dolphins have adopted in recent weeks to praise their teammates.
Jones was being showered with acceptance and appreciation, which is what he’s sought his entire football career.
Problem is, he’s usually spoiled that somehow, like when the five-star recruit was dismissed from USC for academic reasons despite being a standout after pulling down four interceptions as a sophomore starter.
Or when Jones was suspended his senior season at Arizona State for violating team rules.
Despite being kicked off two college teams the Bill Belichick led New England Patriots selected Jones in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. But much like college, it didn’t take him long to wear out his welcome because the Patriots released Jones for unspecified reasons after giving him a couple of suspensions in his second season.
The Las Vegas Raiders claimed Jones in the middle of the 2023 season, and eventually made him a starter. He started all of 2024 and contributed 69 tackles, three interceptions and broke up 16 passes.
But when Pete Carroll took over as the Raiders’ head coach Jones was released after Las Vegas tried, but failed to trade him in April.
Then no team claimed Jones for months before the Dolphins lost two cornerbacks to season-ending knee injuries, and needed bodies for training camp.
That’s when the Dolphins signed Jones, and day after day he’s labored to clean up his image, and NFL reputation, and eventually won Miami’s coaches over because they made him the week one starter.
“I’m truly blessed to be here, man. The type of off-season I was going through just this past off-season, I didn’t know if I was going to be on the team or not,” said Jones, who has produced 42 tackles, forced two fumbles, broken up six passes and pulled down one interception in the 11 starts he’s made this season. “Just being here, if there are plays made or no plays made, I’m blessed and happy. I thank coach, and I thank [owner Steve] Ross for giving me this opportunity.”
Jones had a reputation for being undisciplined on and off the field, but this year he’s committed himself to shedding it, being on time, on task, and sticking to his assignment.
He accustomed to gambling on the field because taking risks sometimes paid off for him.
At least that’s what he thought when he produced seven interceptions, forced one fumble and recovered three in his first three seasons.
“I’m an aggressive corner. You know, my eyes could be my weak spot,” said Jones, who has returned three of his eight interceptions for a touchdown. “This year I feel like I’ve been trying to tone down my aggression, you know what I’m saying.
“Just make the plays that come to me and don’t try to overreach.”
What defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has helped him learn is that patience also pays off. Being focused and that dedicated to your assignment, handling your responsibilities, pays off in the long run.
It’s an approach that Jones will probably find beneficial in many other aspects of his life.
One that might help Jones save his NFL career.
He’s seemingly off to a solid start.
“He came, hugged me and thanked me, and I thanked him because (you) can’t change the past,” McDaniel said. “But you can recognize an opportunity.”
This story was originally published November 21, 2025 at 3:53 PM.
