Velus Jones Jr.

Velus Jones Jr. is an American football player who entered the NFL as a wide receiver and return specialist before transitioning primarily to running back. Born May 11, 1997, he grew up in Mobile, Alabama, and attended Saraland High School. Jones played college football at Southern California from 2016 through 2019, then transferred to Tennessee, where he became one of the Volunteers’ most versatile offensive and special-teams players.

At Tennessee, Jones earned All-SEC first-team recognition and shared the 2021 SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year award. His college résumé was built on acceleration, open-field running and return ability, with the capacity to contribute as a receiver, runner and kick returner. The Chicago Bears selected him in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 71st overall pick.

Jones was waived by Chicago on October 25, 2024, and subsequently spent time with Jacksonville, Carolina and New Orleans. Seattle signed him to its practice squad in November 2025, and he later received game-day elevations during the Seahawks’ Super Bowl LX season. As of September 14, 2026, Seattle lists Jones as a running back on its practice squad; the Seahawks also signed him to a future contract in February 2026.