New York Giants: 15 G-Men who changed the game forever
By Ed Stein
7 – Homer Jones
Homer Jones is one of the few players on this list, that are relatively unknown to all but the most die-hard of Giants fans unless they followed the team in the late 1960s. After him, the G-Men had a plethora of name receivers such as Bob Tucker, Hakeem Nicks, Amani Toomer, Ike Hilliard, Plaxico Burress, and Odell Beckham Jr. It’s easy to see how Jones gets lost in the shuffle.
Truth be told Jones was an outstanding wideout in his day. With new quarterback Tarkenton, Jones put up back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and led the NFL with 13 touchdown receptions in 1968. Not bad for a kid from small Texas Southern University (same as Michael Strahan) who was drafted in the 20th round of 1963.
Jones is still sixth on the New York Giants for career receiving yards with 4,845. After his rookie season, 1964, Jones played in every game until he was sent to Cleveland in 1970. He was with the G-Men for six seasons and was selected to two Pro Bowls.
Absolutely none of that has to do with how Homer Jones changed the game. Not even close. What he is famous for is something fans take for granted. In his day, the NFL fined players $500 for throwing a football into the stands, so Jones decided to slam it on the ground. That’s right, Homer Jones is the father of a creation he named, the “spike.”