Louisiana State University
Bert Jones
Bert Jones was born with football in his blood. His grandfather played
football both at college and professionally in the early 1900s. His father Dub
Jones had a distinguished career with the Cleveland Browns after playing
college football for LSU and then Tulane. Dub became part of college
football trivia as the only man to ever to play for LSU and beat Tulane and
then, due to a wartime Navy V-12 program, transfer the following year to
Tulane where he spearheaded a 27 - 0 victory over Orange Bowl bound LSU.
Bert had size, speed and could throw thunderbolts. He had the confidence of
a champion however he spent a lot of time in LSU Coach Charlie McClendon's
doghouse because of his headstrong ways. After sharing QB duties during
his 1970 sophomore season Bert finally established himself as the exclusive
starter in 1971 with an extraordinary performance beating Notre Dame 28 - 8.
At the time it was considered Ara Parseghian's worst defeat while coaching the
Irish.
In 1972 LSU replaced their helmet side numerals with the tiger logo
pictured above. As a senior Bert enjoyed his best season winning nine games
including an unforgettable last minute 17 - 16 comeback victory over arch
rival Mississippi. Bert ended his college career by leading the Tigers to the
Bluebonnet Bowl. He was considered the finest pure passer in college football
and LSU's best passing talent since Y. A. Tittle. Bert was drafted by the
Baltimore Colts number two overall (after the Houston Oilers picked John
Matuszak) in the 1973 NFL draft. He turned out to be one of the best pro
quarterbacks of his era.
If interested in any of these LSU helmets please click on the
photos below.
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