Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Georgia Walk-On Parker Jones Is Trending For The Worst Reason

Originally posted on The Spun | By Matt Hladik | Last updated Jan 2, 2025 6:40 PM ET

If you're a college football walk-on getting noticed during a game while standing on the sideline without pads, you probably did something wrong.

Poor Parker Jones certainly screwed up in the second quarter of the Sugar Bowl Thursday afternoon. A redshirt sophomore walk-on cornerback from Albany, Ga., Jones did not appear in a game for Georgia this season and he's not even in uniform today. However, he still impacted the game negatively when he was called for sideline interference while celebrating a big play.

Early in the second period, Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton connected with wide receiver Arian Smith for a 66-yard gain deep into Notre Dame territory. As Jones, wearing his No. 39 jersey with the rest of the players who weren't dressed for the game, ran down the sideline to celebrate, he accidentally collided with an official chasing the play.

The official threw the flag for a 15-yard penalty, pushing the ball back to the Notre Dame 26. The Bulldogs eventually had to settle for a Peyton Woodring field goal.

As Jones began trending for his blunder, the jokes started flowing on social media.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 02: A general view prior to the 91st Allstate Sugar Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Caesars Superdome on January 02, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

"Tough time to be Parker Jones on the internet," said ESPN's Pat McAfee.

"If 39's daddy doesn't have a private jet for recruiting and isn't a mega donor, get ready to attend Georgia State buddy," said CBS Sports' Bud Elliott.

"You can’t view the Georgia roster right now because of too much traffic from people looking up Parker Jones," another person noted.

"I feel so bad for Parker Jones. The Georgia message boards are going to be BRUTAL," added On3Sports' George Stoia.

"Pray for Parker Jones. Nothing’s wrong with him, he’s just never going to get out of Kirby Smart’s doghouse after this," another commenter chimed in.

As ESPN's Sean McDonough said, Jones is hoping Georgia winds up winning this game rather easily. If that happens, he'll be a side note as opposed to an infamous figure.

The Bulldogs and Fighting Irish are currently tied at 3 on ESPN. The winner will move on to face Penn State in the College Football Playoff semifinals next Thursday.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: