The NFL draft's most surprising position switch from quarterback to wide receiver
In short: In 2005, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a high-stakes gamble on a player who had never played full-time wide receiver. Matt Jones arrived with a legendary college resume as a dual-threat quarterback, but his transition to the professional ranks would be defined by both spectacular plays and personal turmoil.
A standout for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Matt Jones entered the professional sphere as a versatile force. During his college career, he served as a full-time starter from 2002 to 2004, leading the team to significant victories, including a 2003 Independence Bowl win against the Missouri Tigers. He even achieved a feat of historical significance in the SEC, holding the record for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback, a milestone later surpassed by players like Tim Tebow and Nick Fitzgerald.
His transition to the NFL was unconventional. After being taken 21st overall during the 2005 NFL draft's opening round, Jones transitioned from playing quarterback to wide receiver. While he showed flashes of productivity—notably recording 65 catches for 761 yards in 12 games during the 2008 season—his career was frequently interrupted by off-field struggles. In July 2008, he was arrested in Fayetteville, Arkansas, following a vehicle search that uncovered cocaine and marijuana residue.
The legal and professional repercussions were significant. Following a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, the league issued a three-game suspension in late 2008. His time with the Jaguars ended in March 2009 after further arrests related to substance use. Though he later signed a $700,000 contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010, he was waived during final cuts. After declining a tryout with the Washington Redskins later that year, Jones transitioned into a career as a sports radio personality in Arkansas.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Matt Jones (wide receiver)
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