141. Bert Jones: NFL MVP

Bert Jones was one of the NFL’s most talented and colorful quarterbacks of the 1970s. The Baltimore Colts selected him with the second overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft, and the “Ruston Rifle” quickly earned a reputation for his powerful arm, toughness and fearless style of play. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 1973 and helped transform the Colts from a 2–12 team in 1974 into an AFC East contender just a year later. The September 13, 1976 issue of Sports Illustrated featured Jones on its NFL preview cover, a reflection of just how quickly he and the Colts had risen. Jones talks about facing—and beating—the infamous Sports Illustrated jinx. He also takes us back to 1975, when the Colts stumbled out of the gate at 1–4 before finally jelling and reeling off nine straight victories to win the division over Don Shula’s Miami Dolphins. Jones followed that turnaround with a sensational 1976 season, joining his friend Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall—and later Peyton Manning—as Baltimore Colts quarterbacks to win NFL MVP honors as well as another AFC East title. Jones tells us the best quarterback he ever saw was actually Archie Manning, Peyton’s father. And the best player he ever went up against was a member of Pittsburgh’s legendary Steel Curtain defense—but it might not be who you think. He also laughs about the time he gave Howard Cosell an inside scoop that turned out spectacularly wrong and shares his thoughts on the painful day the Colts left Baltimore. Jones joins a remarkable Past Our Prime guest list of NFL greats that includes Larry Csonka, Fran Tarkenton, Dan Fouts, Jack Ham and many more. It’s a fascinating trip back to the NFL of the 1970s with one of the era’s greatest and toughest quarterbacks—talking about the games, the characters, the triumphs, the disappointments and the memories that have lasted for nearly 50 years. Bert Jones on Past Our Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices