Brief Introduction of Velus Jones Jr.
Velus Tyler Phillip Jones Jr. is a versatile American football player, currently serving as a running back and kickoff returner for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL). He is widely recognized for his exceptional speed and agility, making him a significant threat on special teams and a dynamic offensive weapon. Jones Jr. first gained national attention during his college career, where he played for both the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of Tennessee. His electrifying returns and consistent receiving abilities at Tennessee led to him being named the SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in 2021. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he has since played for several NFL teams, showcasing his adaptability and value as a multi-positional player.
Velus Jones Jr. Overview
| Full Name | Velus Tyler Phillip Jones Jr. |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1997 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 28 |
| Birthplace | Mobile, Alabama |
| Profession | Professional Football Player (Running Back, Kickoff Returner) |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Son of Velus Jones Sr. and San’tae White. His cousin, Cor’Dale Flott, also plays in the NFL. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Information not disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Velus Jones Jr.
Velus Jones Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama, and spent his early years there before his family relocated to Saraland, Alabama, when he was eight. He attended Saraland High School, where he quickly emerged as a standout football player. His talent was evident as he earned first-team All-State honors as a junior after an impressive season with 51 catches for 1,118 yards and nine touchdowns. He repeated this achievement as a senior, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier recruit. His high school performance, which included 48 receptions for 945 yards and ten touchdowns in his final year, drew attention from major college programs. Initially rated as a four-star recruit, Jones Jr.’s college commitment journey saw him first commit to USC, then briefly to Oklahoma, before ultimately reaffirming his decision to play for the USC Trojans.
Velus Jones Jr.’s Career
Jones Jr. began his collegiate career at the University of Southern California, where he redshirted his true freshman season in 2016. He primarily made his mark as a kick returner for the Trojans. In his redshirt freshman year, he amassed 760 yards on 31 returns. As a redshirt sophomore, he began to see more action on offense, catching 24 passes for 266 yards and a touchdown while continuing his special teams duties. During his redshirt junior season, he was named to the second-team All-Pac-12 Conference for his returning prowess, having recorded 704 yards and a touchdown on 29 kickoffs.
Seeking a more prominent role, Jones Jr. transferred to the University of Tennessee for the 2020 season. In his first year with the Volunteers, he caught 22 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns and led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in kickoff return yards. Utilizing the extra year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned for the 2021 season and had a breakout year. He recorded 62 receptions for 807 yards and seven touchdowns. His exceptional performance on special teams, where he returned 24 kickoffs for 628 yards and a touchdown, and 18 punts for 272 yards, earned him the title of SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year and a spot on the first-team All-SEC.
His impressive collegiate career culminated in him being selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (71st overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team. His rookie season was marked by both flashes of his potential and some rookie struggles, including a couple of costly muffed punts. He scored his first career touchdown on his first NFL reception in a game against the Minnesota Vikings. He finished his rookie campaign as the team’s leader in kickoff returns and return yards. In 2023, he continued to be the primary kick returner for the Bears while having a limited role on offense. In August 2024, the Bears announced they would be transitioning him to the running back position.
Jones Jr.’s journey in the NFL has seen him move between several teams. In October 2024, he was signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. He then had a brief stint on the Carolina Panthers’ active roster in December 2024. In March 2025, he signed with the New Orleans Saints, who intended to utilize his skills as a running back. By October 2025, he had signed with the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad, his current team.
Velus Jones Jr. Personal Life & Family
Velus Jones Jr. was born to Velus Jones Sr. and San’tae White. Family plays a significant role in his life, and he has often spoken about the support he receives from them. He shares a close bond with his family, who have been present at significant moments in his career. His grandmother, Linda Jones, who has passed away, was a source of inspiration for him. Jones Jr. is also related to another NFL player; his cousin, Cor’Dale Flott, plays for the New York Giants. He is of Dutch descent. Information regarding his marital status or romantic relationships is not publicly available.
Awards and Achievements of Velus Jones Jr.
- SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year (2021)
- First-team All-SEC (2021)
- Second-team All-Pac-12 (2019)
Velus Jones Jr. Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Velus Jones Jr.’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His primary source of income is his salary from his NFL contracts. His rookie contract with the Chicago Bears was a four-year deal worth $5,405,928, which included a $1,111,584 signing bonus. Throughout his career, he has had contracts with several NFL teams, contributing to his overall earnings. His income is also supplemented by any potential endorsements or sponsorships, though details of these are not widely publicized.
Legacy and Influence
Velus Jones Jr.’s legacy is still being written, but he has already established himself as a player with elite speed and versatility. His ability to impact the game as a return specialist is his most significant contribution to date. His 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Combine was one of the fastest times recorded, highlighting his game-breaking potential. His journey through multiple colleges and NFL teams speaks to his resilience and determination to carve out a successful professional career. He serves as an inspiration for athletes who may face challenges or need to adapt their roles to succeed at the highest level. His transition from a primary wide receiver and returner to incorporating the running back position demonstrates his work ethic and willingness to evolve as a player.
Interesting Facts about Velus Jones Jr.
- His first name is pronounced “VAY-lus”.
- He was a fan of Percy Harvin growing up and followed his career closely.
- He was college roommates with fellow NFL player Alontae Taylor at the University of Tennessee.
- His first position in football was running back before he switched to wide receiver in the eighth grade.
- Saraland High School, his alma mater, held a “Velus Jones Jr. Day” to honor his success.
- He finished his college career as the FBS’s active career leader in kickoff return yards with 2,973.
Controversies
While Velus Jones Jr.’s career has not been marked by significant off-field controversies, he faced scrutiny during his rookie season with the Chicago Bears for a couple of critical errors on special teams. Most notably, he muffed two punts in crucial game situations, which led to public and media criticism regarding his reliability in high-pressure moments. These incidents were a part of his learning curve as a rookie and have been a focal point in discussions about his development as a professional player.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (iam_vjj) – Publicly available profile, follower count not specified in search results.
- Twitter – He has a public profile, though the handle and follower count were not detailed in the provided search results.
- YouTube – Not applicable.
Final Words about Velus Jones Jr.
Velus Jones Jr. remains an intriguing and dynamic player in the NFL. His journey is a testament to perseverance, from being a highly-touted high school recruit to navigating the competitive landscapes of major college football programs and now the NFL. His elite speed will always make him a valuable asset, particularly in the return game. As he continues to develop his skills as a running back and receiver, he has the potential to become a more complete and impactful offensive player. Currently with the Seattle Seahawks, he is focused on securing a consistent role and demonstrating the full range of his talents. His future in the league will likely depend on his ability to harness his physical gifts and carve out a niche as a reliable and explosive playmaker, whether on offense or special teams.