Deacon Jones honored by Rams with commemorative helmet decal

Published Aug. 24, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Hall of Famer Deacon Jones will be honored this season by the St. Louis Rams with a commemorative helmet decal that will be worn in remembrance to one of the greatest pass-rushers in NFL history.

“Deacon Jones was a legend who was cherished by generations of NFL fans and players," Rams Executive Vice President of Football Operations/C.O.O. Kevin Demoff said in a press release. “Our team is proud to wear his number on our helmets throughout the season to honor his meaning to this organization."

The black, round decal will be placed on the back of each players' helmet. It features the team's charging Ram head logo on top of Jones's jersey number 75, which was retired by the team in 2009.

Members of Jones' family will be recognized on the field in the Rams' season opener against Arizona on September 8.

"David Jones joined the Rams in 1961 and was reborn Deacon Jones - the best, most intimidating and tenacious defensive player ever to play in the NFL," the Jones Family said in a press release. “From that first day in training camp to this day, more than five decades later, our family and the Rams' family -- all of the players, owners, employees and, of course, our fellow fans - have been one and the same. We deeply appreciate this dedicated season, a fitting tribute to a man whose efforts on and off the field helped make the Rams what they are today and forever changed the way the game is played. Thank you, all."

Jones was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 and recorded a team-best 159.5 sacks with the Rams and 173.5 for his career.