Stan Jones (athlete)

Stan Jones (born November 24, 1931, in Altoona, Pennsylvania, died January 21, 2024, in Boise, Idaho) was an American professional football player who played as a guard and defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for thirteen seasons.

Jones played college football at the University of Maryland, where he was a consensus All-American in 1953. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 1954 NFL Draft.

He played for the Bears from 1954 to 1965, earning seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections (1955-1961) and eight All-Pro selections. He was a key member of the Bears' 1963 NFL Championship team. Known for his exceptional strength and durability, Jones played both offense and defense for much of his career.

After leaving the Bears, Jones played one season with the Washington Redskins in 1966. Following his NFL career, he coached football at various levels, including high school and junior college.

Stan Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. His number 41 is retired by the Chicago Bears. He is regarded as one of the greatest offensive and defensive linemen in NFL history.