Deacon Jones [SEP] place of death
Jones's wife Elizabeth is the chief operating and financial officer of the Deacon Jones Foundation, based in Anaheim Hills, California., the community in which the couple lived.
Jones was a rhythm and blues singer during his football days, and was backed by the band Nightshift, which later became the group War. Jones sang onstage with Ray Charles, performed on "The Hollywood Palace" in 1967 and 1968, and on "The Merv Griffin Show" in 1970. Jones was the inspiration for the name of the
's Seahawks teammate, running back Marshawn Lynch.
- Deacon Jones' death
Legendary Hall of Fame defensive lineman Deacon Jones died in June. Shortly thereafter the league honored Jones' legacy by creating the "Deacon Jones Award" to be given annually to the player who records the most quarterback sacks. Colts linebacker Robert Mathis was the inaugural winner of the honor.
- Bud Adams' death
Tennessee Titans owner Kenneth S. "Bud" Adams died in October. He was the only owner the franchise, which began