Felix Jones
A lightning-fast Arkansas running back whose explosive kick returns and breakaway speed made him a first-round NFL draft pick.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American football player·Birthday: May 8·Millennials
Biography
Felix Jones's football career was built on pure, unadulterated speed. At the University of Arkansas, he formed one half of a legendary backfield duo with Darren McFadden, but Jones carved his own niche as a home-run threat every time he touched the ball. His ability to change direction without losing a step made him a nightmare in open space, particularly as a kick returner. The Dallas Cowboys saw that game-breaking potential and selected him in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. While injuries prevented him from ever becoming a full-time, bell-cow back in the pros, Jones provided flashes of brilliance. He was the change-of-pace weapon who could turn a screen pass or a sweep into a long touchdown, and he played a key role on special teams. His legacy is that of a human highlight reel, a player whose best moments were breathtaking bursts of acceleration that left defenders grasping at air.
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.
Felix 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 Felix 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
Felix'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
- Earned consensus All-American honors in 2007 as a kick returner for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
- Selected in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.
- Averaged an impressive 5.9 yards per carry during his rookie season with the Cowboys.
- Returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in a 2008 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Played in Super Bowl XLV with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a mid-season trade in 2013.
Did You Know?
In college, he and Darren McFadden were nicknamed "Double Trouble" for their dominant rushing attack.
He still holds the Arkansas Razorbacks' career record for yards per carry, averaging 7.6 yards over three seasons.
He was a track star in high school, competing in the 100-meter dash and the long jump.
His 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against Tennessee in 2007 is one of the longest plays in Arkansas history.
He finished his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, appearing in the playoffs with them in the 2014 season.
“When you see that seam, you hit it with everything you've got.”
