Calvin Jones, Former Super Bowl Champion, Dies at 54 Due to Suspected Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Calvin Jones, a former NFL running back and Super Bowl champion, has reportedly passed away at the age of 54. His body was discovered by police in the basement of a home in north Omaha, Nebraska, on Wednesday, January 22, according to the Omaha Police Department, per Associated Press.

Authorities suspect carbon monoxide poisoning in Jones’ death. A friend, Jo Dusatho, informed the Omaha World-Herald that Jones had been using a generator in the basement because his home's furnace was malfunctioning.

According to the local outlet WOWT, a neighbor reported a gas smell coming from a residence located near 38th and Franklin Street, prompting a call to firefighters. Police arrived shortly thereafter and confirmed that a generator was present in the house, along with indications of carbon monoxide poisoning. The investigation is ongoing, and the official cause of death has not yet been established.

Jones was drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1994. He later became a key player for the Green Bay Packers, winning the Super Bowl with the team in 1997. Over three seasons, he played in 15 games, contributing significantly to his team's success.

Before entering the NFL, Jones gained acclaim as one of the top high school football players in Nebraska. He played for the Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1991 to 1993 and earned All-American recognition during his sophomore year, according to the Associated Press.

Jones attended Omaha Central High School, where he was honored as the Gatorade Circle of Champions state running back of the year. He was a champion sportsman, also winning the state championship in sprinting for his school’s track team.

By 1992, Jones averaged an impressive 329 yards per game, then the highest average for an American player, guiding Nebraska to the Orange Bowl. Nebraska Football expressed condolences on X, stating, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Husker legend and Super Bowl Champion, Calvin Jones. Our hearts go out to the Jones family; he will be greatly missed."

PEOPLE has reached out to the Omaha Police Department for additional comments.

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