Tue Jun 10 12:51:25 2008

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Former CFL linebacker Jones passes away at 46

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Winnipeg, Manitoba (Sports Network) -- Two-time Grey Cup champion and longtime Winnipeg Blue Bombers linebacker Tyrone Jones passed away Tuesday morning after battling brain cancer since August, 2005. He was 46.

Jones played eight seasons with Winnipeg (1983-1987, 1989-1991), winning Grey Cup titles in 1984 and 1990. He was named Grey Cup MVP in 1984 and CFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. Jones holds team records for sacks with 98 and Grey Cup records for sacks in a game (four) and career Grey Cup sacks (five).

In the CFL, Jones also appeared for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1992 and the British Columbia Lions in 1993. He played in the NFL for one season in 1988 with the Phoenix Cardinals.

"This is a very sad day, however we need to remember and celebrate the person of Tyrone Jones; the player of Tyrone Jones and the human being that was Tyrone Jones," said Lyle Bauer, president and CEO of the Blue Bombers. "He made a huge, huge impact on this football team and this league."

Jones, a former Southern University standout, was a five-time CFL division all-star. He is survived by his three sons.