Former Steelers Tackle Jarron Jones Retires After Notable Run in Spring Leagues
Jarron Jones, the towering 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive tackle who once suited up for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has officially called it a career. After several years grinding through both the NFL and the spring league circuit, Jones is hanging up the cleats.
Jones’ journey through professional football was anything but linear. After going undrafted out of Notre Dame in 2017, he bounced around NFL rosters, spending time with the Giants, Seahawks, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Lions, and Bills.
He eventually found his way to Pittsburgh, signing with the Steelers in 2020 after a brief stint in the XFL. That year, he spent the season on the Steelers’ practice squad and re-signed in 2021, but his time in Pittsburgh was cut short following a domestic violence arrest that led to a 10-game NFL suspension.
With his NFL path stalled, Jones pivoted to the USFL, where he found a second wind-and some serious success. In 2022, he joined the Tampa Bay Bandits under head coach Todd Haley, a familiar face from his Steelers days.
Jones made an immediate impact, earning All-USFL honors that season. When the Bandits transitioned into the Memphis Showboats in 2023 as part of the league’s shift to host cities, Jones stuck with the team and continued to shine.
As the USFL and XFL merged to form the UFL in 2024, Jones remained a steady presence on the offensive line. Over three spring seasons between Tampa and Memphis, he started 28 games and established himself as one of the league’s most reliable tackles. He earned All-USFL recognition twice during that span-no small feat in a league filled with hungry, high-motor talent looking to break through.
In 2025, he joined the Birmingham Stallions, the reigning UFL champions, adding veteran experience to a roster already stacked with former NFL talent. Among his teammates in Birmingham were several other ex-Steelers, including T.J. Carter, Nevelle Clarke, Tae Crowder, Carlos Davis, Christian DiLaurio, Madre Harper, Tre Norwood, Kenny Robinson, Jace Sternberger, and Kyahva Tezino.
Jones’ football story is one of adaptation and perseverance. Originally a defensive tackle at Notre Dame, he transitioned to the offensive side of the ball during his pro career. At Notre Dame, he posted 45 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and two sacks as a redshirt junior in 2016-numbers that showcased his raw power and athleticism before the position switch.
A native of Rochester, New York, Jones wasn’t the only member of his family to suit up in black and gold. His younger brother, Jamir Jones, also spent time on the Steelers’ roster, adding a family connection to his Pittsburgh chapter.
While Jones never became a household name in the NFL, he carved out a meaningful career through grit, versatility, and a willingness to keep pushing when the road got tough. His contributions in the spring leagues helped elevate the level of play and gave him a platform to showcase his talent when opportunities in the NFL dried up.
Now that he’s stepping away from the game, Jones leaves behind a legacy that speaks to the power of resilience. He may not have taken the traditional path, but he made the most of every opportunity-and earned plenty of respect along the way.