The Los Angeles Rams 1964 defensive front four, known as the "Fearsome Foursome" from left to right are Lamar Lundy (85), Merlin Olsen (74), Rosey Grier (76), and Deacon Jones (75). David "Deacon" Jones, a Hall of Fame defensive end has died.
David "Deacon" Jones, a Hall of Fame American football defensive end credited with coining the word "sack" for how he knocked down quarterbacks, has died. He was 74.
The Washington Redskins said that Jones died of natural causes at his home in Southern California on Monday night.
"Deacon Jones was one of the greatest players in NFL history. Off the field, he was a true giant," said Redskins general manager Bruce Allen, whose father, George, coached Jones with the Los Angeles Rams. "His passion and spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him. He was cherished member of the Allen family and I will always consider him my big brother."
Jones was the leader of the Rams' Fearsome Foursome unit from 1961-71 and then played for San Diego for two seasons before finishing his career with the Redskins in 1974. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and made the league's 75th anniversary all-time squad.
