Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones warns incoming prospects of NFL toll

Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones is providing a cautionary tale for those dreaming about joining the NFL after missing the 2022 season due to injuries.

Jones, the 27th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, spent all of last season on the physically unable to perform list because of Achilles and ankle issues. Miami’s coaching staff never gave any indication he was close to a return during the 2022 season.

• Byron Jones career stats: 57 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, four interceptions

A 6-foot-1 cornerback from UConn, Jones set NFL Combine records with his broad jump and posted one of the best vertical jumps in modern history. Following a career-changing performance at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, he was picked by the Dallas Cowboys with the 27th pick.

Jones began his NFL career as a safety before transitioning to cornerback in 2018. The move paid off, as he earned his first Pro Bowl selection and received second-team All-Pro honors. He quickly developed into a shutdown cornerback, ultimately leading to him becoming one of the top NFL free agents in 2020.

After becoming one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, Jones struggled in Miami. He was graded as the 43rd-best cornerback in coverage (61.5) by Pro Football Focus in 14 games. The following season, he was rated as the 48th-best cornerback (63.5) in PFF’s coverage grade.

Unfortunately, leg injuries have taken a toll on his career. Responding to the NFL’s Twitter account highlighting his historic broad jump, Jones revealed that he can no longer run or jump because of the injuries he suffered playing football.

It was an honor and privilege to play in the NFL but it came at a regrettable cost I did not foresee. In my opinion, no amount of professional success or financial gain is worth avoidable chronic pain and disabilities. Godspeed to the draft class of 2023.

— Byron Jones (@TheByronJones) February 25, 2023

While Jones seems appreciative of the opportunity he’d had to play in the NFL, the physical toll it’s taken on his body sticks with him. Now experiencing chronic pain, the 30-year-old cautioned upcoming NFL players about the dangers of taking the pills and injections teams give for pain management with players feeling pressured to comply.

• Byron Jones career earnings: $69.425 million

Yet, Jones insists he is not ready to retire, and he is still under contract through the next two seasons, owed more than $18 million per year. Hopefully, he can return to running and jumping soon enough.