The NFL is one of the most revered American sports with millions of fans eagerly tuning in each season. Whether you enjoy football for its betting prospects and NFL betting odds, the annual Super Bowl championship, or the players themselves, it’s very easy to appreciate the sport.
Notable legends like Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, and Reggie White stand out as some of the top-billed names in NFL history. But there are plenty of new drafts that deserve recognition, too. None more so than Mac “MJ10” Jones.
The young Patriots quarterback has quickly made a name for himself in the NFL. if his collegiate career and rookie season is anything to go by, he has the prowess, determination, and skill to become a real legend of the sport!
Here’s what we know about the talented quarterback so far.
Crimson Tide College Career
2017
Though he originally committed to studying at the University of Kentucky, Jones accepted an offer of a scholarship from the University of Alabama to play for the renowned Alabama Crimson Tide.
Despite arriving as an early enrollee, he was redshirted in his 2017 freshman season. However, he was later named as A-Day MVP after throwing two touchdowns for 289 yards in the Tide’s spring game.
2018
Jones appeared in 14 out of 15 of the Crimson Tide’s season games. For the majority of these games, he took up the mantle as a holder on special teams. He also managed to achieve some impressive statistics this season, especially his notable 94-yard touchdown pass to fellow player Jaylen Waddle in a win against Louisiana.
Not only was this a great way for Jones to establish his talents on the field but it was also the second-highest touchdown pass record in school history.
2019
After quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a season-ending hip injury, Jones served as the starting quarterback for the second half of the 2019 football season.
He made four starts, beating both Arkansas and then Western Carolina before experiencing defeat at the hands of Auburn in the Iron Bowl – even though he threw for four touchdowns and a total of 355 yards. This was the first 300-yard game of his college career and worked to put him on the map!
In his four starts and 11 games, Jones threw for 1,503 yards, three interceptions, and 14 touchdowns.
He also completed 68.8% of all passes. He earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies with a 4.00 GPA during his sophomore year.
2020
In 2020, he became the unquestioned starter after Tagovailoa departed for the 2020 NFL Draft. As a result, he guided the Crimson Tide to a National Championship of his own. He was recognized as an All-American this year among other accolades – a testament to his skills as a quarterback!
He finished the season with 311 completions out of 402 attempts (a total percentage of 77.36), threw 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, and only threw four interceptions in the entire season. Jones also had an overall quarterback rating of 203.06 which is the highest in football history.
After the end of this season which saw his draft stock increase considerably, Jones announced he would enter the 2021 NFL Draft and forgo his senior year at Alabama.
Professional Career
2021 NFL Draft
Jones was one of the most prominent quarterback prospects of the 2021 NFL draft and was projected to be taken in the first round.
Though many analysts had predicted that he’d be selected third by the 49ers, Jones was the 15th pick by the New England Patriots after the 49ers eventually drafted talented QB, Trey Lance.
Rookie Season
The young Patriots quarterback is quite literally taking the NFL by storm. The number 15 overall pick outplayed his class of 2021 counterparts with a strong and effective performance during his rookie season.
He completed 67.6% of all passes for 3,801 yards and also achieved 22 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions.
While he appeared to hit a rookie wall later in the season, he was the 13th quarterback in NFL history to lead his team to the postseason in his first year. Generally, Jones played like a consistent veteran QB during this season. Critics treated him accordingly.
An argument can be made that he was one of the best overall NFL rookies in 2021. The Patriots seem to have landed one of the greatest players in the 2021 Draft class in the most important league position. Jones’ Year 2 looks promising!
Trademark
Mac Jones filed for a trademark of “MJ10” and “Mac10” to expand his brand. As his success with the Patriots grows, more people are going to want Jones-based merchandise. By applying for trademarks, Jones has safeguarded himself.
He is following in the footsteps of legendary quarterback Tom Brady who owns a successful “TB12” brand.
Summary
Mac “MJ10” Jones truly is a name to look out for. If the young player continues his ascension with the Patriots as his first season indicates he will, he has the potential to leave a long-lasting legacy in the NFL like longtime quarterback and fellow teammate Tom Brady.