The Class of 1975
Arthur Jones

The first player in NFL history to be credited with wearing low-quarter shoes, Art Jones proved he was not only a trend-setter, but a strong athlete when he was named to the NFL All-Pro team his rookie year.  He began his gridiron career as an all around athlete at Suffolk High School, where he lettered in football, track, tennis and basketball.  Jones holds the school record for being awarded the most varsity sports letters (16). 

Jones entered the University of Richmond, where he was named to the All State team three consecutive years and All Southern in 1938 and 1940.  He was the leading scorer in the Southern Conference in 1940 and leading punter in the nation in 1940.  In addition to his football feats, Jones lettered in both basketball and track for three years.  He ended his collegiate career by playing in the Blue-Grey game at Montgomery, Alabama as a starting halfback.  Jones scored one touchdown in a 14-12 loss to the Blue. 

Jones’ professional football career began when the Pittsburgh Steelers made him their first-round pick in the 1941 draft.  He averaged 55 minutes per game for eleven games.  Jones was selected to play in the All-Pro game in 1941 against the Chicago Bears.  He started the game in the backfield with players such as Sammy Baugh, Toughy Lemmons and Biggie Goldberg. 

His pro football career was temporarily halted when Jones entered the Navy as an Ensign and served four years with the Naval Air Force in the Philippines during World War II.  During his service, he played with the Carolina Pre-Flight team that defeated William & Mary for their only loss in 1942.  Jones returned to the Steelers in 1945.

Jones was elected to the National College Football Hall of Fame in 1961, and was selected as a member of the University of Richmond All-Time backfield in 1963.