The Seattle Seahawks crushed the Minnesota Vikings 26-0 on Sunday. Facing a rookie quarterback in his first start in the Vikings, Max Brosmer, the vaunted Seahawks’ defense forced five turnovers and intercepted Brosmer four times. The highlight of the interception parade, though, was an electric 85-yard interception return by Ernest Jones IV.
Since arriving in Seattle last season, Jones has been a leader on the team. From off the field, having quarterback Sam Darnold’s back after a tough performance, to on the field, having five interceptions in 10 games, in what will likely be a Pro Bowl season. Jones has been a rock for this Seahawks team this season, even after going through a personal tragedy this offseason.
In July, Jones lost his father at the age of 53 to cancer, and since then, one of the few places of solace Jones has found has been on the football field.
Missing Piece
Ernest Jones IV has given everything he’s had to the Seahawks this season in dedication to his late father. For Jones, this season has been tough, but he feels at home on the field with his teammates.
After the Seahawks’ victory over the Vikings, Jones said he feels like he’s completing a missing piece of himself when he plays. Seahawks.com provides the transcript of what Jones said he told the team in his post-game speech.
“I was telling them it’s been rough for me. It’s been tough,” Jones said. “The release that I get is being around these guys and playing football. I told the guys that I feel like I’ve been missing something. I wear this cross around my neck, but I haven’t been living like it. I took this time this week and gave my life back to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, got back on my knees, started praying. What he did for me out there on the field, it comes from that, but the biggest thing for me is I got that piece that I was missing and it’s going to help me.”
Just as Jones feels being on the field is the missing piece for him, his head coach, Mike Macdonald, reciprocates that feeling about Jones.
Great Leadership
Ernest Jones IV’s presence with the Seahawks is showing both on and off the field. He is a locker room leader and Mike Macdonald’s defensive leader, wearing the green dot helmet on the field. So, when Jones might need someone to lean on after the tough year he’s had in his personal life, the Seahawks are there for him.
Macdonald discussed with Brady Henderson of ESPN about the brotherhood that Jones has used to help support him this season.
“The guy has been through a lot,” Macdonald said. “… That’s really the reason you have a team, is that you can be there for your brother when they need you. I know we’re in a business and there’s transactions and stuff, but at the end of the day, these are the relationships you’re going to have for a long time hopefully, and it’s really great to see that the rest of the guys are there to support him.”
Macdonald also praised Jones for his high-level play this season, despite everything he’s been through.
“And he’s playing great football … He’s battled through some health things throughout the year as well,” Macdonald continued. “Some of the plays he’s making in the run game, too, is just really tremendous, really great plays that allows us to really call some defenses that you normally wouldn’t call in those situations.”
Jones has been through the wringer this year with both tragedy and injuries, but with the help of his faith and his teammates, he has been able to push through.
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