Marvin Jones (wide receiver)
A smooth and dependable deep-threat receiver who provided explosive plays for over a decade with quiet consistency.
Born 1990 (age 36)·American football player·Birthday: March 12·Millennials
Biography
Marvin Jones Jr. carved out an impressive 12-year NFL career not with overwhelming physical dominance, but with polished route-running, sure hands, and a knack for the spectacular catch. A fifth-round pick out of California by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012, he initially played a supporting role before breaking out as a premier deep threat. His time in Cincinnati, paired with A.J. Green, gave the Bengals one of the league's most dangerous receiving duos. Jones then signed with the Detroit Lions in 2016, where he truly flourished, posting a career-high 1,101 yards in 2017 and leading the NFL in yards per reception. He was the quiet counterpart to louder stars, a professional who reliably produced whether as a WR1 or a secondary option. His later years included a stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars and a return to Detroit, where his veteran presence and continued ability to win 50-50 balls made him a valued asset until his retirement after the 2023 season.
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.
Marvin was born in 1990, 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 Marvin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1990
#1 Movie
Home Alone
Best Picture
Dances with Wolves
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Marvin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1990Born
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1995Started school
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
2003Became a teenager
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
2006Could drive
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2008Could vote
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
2011Turned 21
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2020Turned 30
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 36 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the entire NFL in yards per reception (18.0) during the 2017 season with the Detroit Lions.
- Recorded over 1,100 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in his first season as a primary starter for Detroit in 2017.
- Amassed over 6,000 career receiving yards and 58 touchdown catches across 12 seasons.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Jazmyn, have five sons.
In college at California, he was teammates with fellow NFL wide receiver Keenan Allen.
He is known for his calm demeanor and has been nicknamed 'Third and Jones' for his clutch play.
“I just want to be known as a guy who made plays when his number was called.”
