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Tributes Pour In After Former NFL Wide Receiver Dies At 33

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 11:44 AM ET

The football world lost a beloved wide receiver and coach as in a tragic accident earlier this week.

Former NFL, CFL and San Jose State wide receiver Chandler Jones was killed in a pedestrian car accident on Sunday. Jones played on the practice squad for several NFL teams but found more success in Canada. As a coach for the Montreal Alouettes in 2023, he helped the team win the Grey Cup for the eighth time in team history.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of former assistant defensive backs coach Chandler Jones. He was a passionate and dedicated coach whose professionalism and commitment left a lasting impression on the organization," the Alouettes said in a team statement.

“Our thoughts are with Chandler’s family and loved ones as they navigate this incredibly difficult time,” Alouettes general manager Danny Maciocia in a personal statement this week. “We extend our heartfelt condolences and offer them our full support.”

Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille, aux amis et aux proches de Chandler Jones, ancien entraîneur adjoint des demis défensifs. Il était un entraîneur passionné et dévoué, dont le professionnalisme et l’engagement ont laissé une empreinte durable au sein de… pic.twitter.com/v4TfZPvU9y
— Alouettes de Montréal (@MTLAlouettes) June 23, 2025

Tributes have been pouring in from across the football and general sports world.

"Forever in our hearts, #89 In loving memory of Spartan wide receiver and coach, Chandler Jones," San Jose State, his college alma mater, said in a tribute on X yesterday.

"We join San José State in mourning the loss of Chandler Jones. Our deepest condolences to his family, teammates, and the Spartan community," the Mountain West Conference said on X.

"Gone but never forgotten. One of the best human beings to ever step foot on campus at SJSU. Rest in Peace Chandler Jones," Barstool San Jose State wrote.

AUBURN, ALABAMA - SEPTEMBER 10: General view of the San Jose State Spartans helmet during their game against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images)Michael Chang/Getty Images

"Tragic news on receiver Chandler Jones, 33, who was with the Bucs briefly, on their practice squad in December 2014 and on roster through May 2015," Tampa Bay Buccaneers insider Greg Auman lamented.

"It is with great sadness that we share the passing of alum, Chandler Jones ‘09," his high school alma mater Bishop Montgomery High School said in a Facebook post. "Jones was a standout player on Bishop’s football team and still holds the record for longest kick-off return (97 yards) and longest fumble recovery (98 yards)."

Our hearts go out to Jones' family and loved ones.

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

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