Things did not pan out well in the National Football League for Christion Jones, but the former University of Alabama wide receiver is beginning to carve a nice career north of the border.
He joined the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League in July 2017, following his time with the Miami Dolphins. In teaming up with ex-Crimson Tide running back Trent Richardson, Jones was a dynamic return specialist and help the Riders into the playoffs.
Through 10 games, he returned 45 punts for 645 yards with two touchdowns and ran back 18 kickoffs for 423 yards.
While his longest return overall went for a 97-yard score (punt), he amassed 223 punt return yards on 12 attempts in the playoffs – including a 79-yard touchdown.
For his efforts, Jones was named Riders’ Most Outstanding Special Team Player. He was extended a one-year deal on Wednesday that will keep him through 2019. Before having success in the CFL, Jones was standout receiver and return man for the Crimson Tide under head coach Nick Saban.
After seeing action as a true freshman in 2011, Jones accounted for 1,727 kick return yards, 719 punt return yards and 1,030 receiving yards with 12 career touchdowns from 2011-14.
He was a part of two Southeastern Conference championships (2012, 2014) and a pair BCS national championships during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
