Former Browns offensive lineman Tony Jones passes away

Tony Jones, who started his NFL career with the Cleveland Browns in 1988, has passed away at the age of 54.

The news was announced on Friday by the Denver Broncos, one of three teams Jones played for during his 13-year career.

The Browns signed Jones in 1988 as an undrafted free agent out of Western Carolina. He made just three starts and played in 13 games during his first two seasons, but took over the starting right tackle spot in 1990.

Jones switched to left tackle the following season, starting a six-year run as Cleveland’s full-time starter at the position. He was a second-team All-Pro selection in 1994 as the Browns went 11-5 and made the playoffs, where they defeated the New England Patriots in the Wild Card round.

After spending the 1996 season with the Baltimore Ravens, the Denver Broncos acquired Jones for a second-round draft pick. He played right tackle in his first season with the Broncos before switching back to the left side for the 1998 season. The Broncos won the Super Bowl in 1997 and 1998, with Jones picking up his lone Pro Bowl selection following the 1998 season.

Jones started in 174 of his 184 career games, including 99 with the Browns. He was selected to Denver’s Top 100 team in 2019.