Baton Rouge, La. — On November 14, Tiger Stadium will host a historic moment as the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee prepares to retire the No. 7 jersey of former quarterback Bert Jones.
Jones, who led LSU to its first-ever All‑American quarterback status, will be honored during the Tigers' matchup against Texas, a game that promises to blend gridiron rivalry with a nostalgic celebration of program legacy.
The decision, reached by a unanimous vote of the Hall of Fame Committee, underscores Jones' indelible impact on the university's football narrative, from his record‑setting college performances to his later triumphs in the National Football League.
In a recent interview, Jones expressed surprise at the honor, noting that while he cherished every accolade, this particular tribute sits at the pinnacle of his list of achievements.
Joining Jones in the pantheon of retired jerseys are five other legendary Tigers — Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, Jerry Stovall, and Charles Alexander — each of whom left an enduring mark on LSU's storied history.
A Legacy That Endures
Jones' college résumé reads like a catalog of firsts: he was the program's inaugural All‑American quarterback, a three‑year starter who compiled a 26‑6‑1 record, captured the 1970 SEC Championship, and earned All‑American honors while finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in 1972.
After being selected second overall in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, Jones embarked on a decade‑long professional career that included a nine‑year stint with Baltimore and a final season with the Los Angeles Rams, during which he amassed 17,766 passing yards and 122 touchdowns.
The apex of his pro tenure arrived in 1976 when he was crowned NFL MVP after guiding the Colts to an 11‑3 record, a season that cemented his reputation as one of the era's premier signal callers.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming ceremony will not only retire a number but also serve as a bridge between generations of Tigers fans, reminding current players of the standards set by those who paved the way.
As the Tigers prepare to face Texas, the added pageantry adds a layer of excitement, promising a memorable experience for alumni, students, and the broader LSU community.