Billy Jones (footballer, born 1987)
A dependable right-back who carved out a solid 15-year career in English football, known for his consistency and professionalism at multiple clubs.
Born 1987 (age 39)·English footballer·Birthday: March 24·Millennials
Biography
Billy Jones entered the professional football scene through the youth academy at Crewe Alexandra, making his senior debut in 2003. His steady performances at right-back caught the eye of larger clubs, leading to a move to Preston North End where he became a mainstay. His career was defined not by flashy headlines, but by reliable service; he was the kind of player managers could trust week in, week out. A free transfer to West Bromwich Albion in 2011 marked his arrival in the Premier League, where he spent several seasons battling for top-flight status. Later spells at Sunderland and Rotherham United underscored his durability and adaptability before he retired in 2021, leaving behind a reputation as a consummate professional who maximized his potential across hundreds of league appearances.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Billy was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Billy Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Billy's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 350 appearances in the English Football League and Premier League across his career.
- Played a key role in West Bromwich Albion's 2011-12 season, helping the club achieve a secure mid-table Premier League finish.
- Earned the Preston North End Player of the Year award for the 2009-10 season.
- Represented England at the Under-20 level early in his career.
Did You Know?
He studied for a degree in Business and Finance while playing professionally for Crewe Alexandra.
Jones was known for his versatility, occasionally playing as a winger early in his career at Crewe.
He made his final professional appearance for Rotherham United in 2021, coming on as a substitute against Brentford.
“A clean sheet is the foundation; everything else builds from that.”
