An NFL legend and the inventor of the spike has passed away at the age of 82 after a battle with lung cancer.
Homer Jones was a former New York Giants wide receiver best known for being the first player to spike the ball after touchdown and becoming the NFL’s all-time leader for receivers by averaging 22.26 yards per catch.
Throughout his career, the iconic wide receiver caught 224 passes for 36 touchdowns in 87 games. He played six years for the New York Giants between 1964 and 1969 before playing one season for Cleveland Browns in 1970.
“Homer Jones had a unique combination of speed and power and was a threat to score whenever he touched the ball,” the Giants’ CEO and president John Mara said.
“I remember him as an easygoing, friendly individual who was well liked by his teammates and coaches.”
Remembering the beloved athlete was also the New York Giants’ official Twitter account which posted: “Remembering Giants legend Homer Jones, one of the most prolific wide receivers in our history.”
Jones remains known as the inventor of the spike after he first spiked the ball after a touchdown during a match against the Philadelphia Eagles back in October 1965.
“I had always said that when I made my first touchdown, I was gonna throw the ball in the stands. They changed the rules in the offseason to, I think, a $500 fine for throwing the ball into the stands,” Jones previously told ESPN as he spoke out about his decision to slam the football into the ground following his first touchdown.
“And as I crossed the goal line, my intention had always been to throw that ball into the stands, but I thought about that $500, and I threw it on the ground. So that was the original spike right there.”
Our thoughts remain with Homer’s loved ones during this challenging time.