Former LSU quarterback Bert Jones, the first All-American signal caller in LSU history, will have his No. 7 jersey retired in Death Valley November 14 during the Texas game. Jones is an LSU Athletics and Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer, but he says this takes the cake.
“I’ve had a lot of accolades. I’ve had a lot of awards. But, without hesitation, I can say that having my name or jersey retired up in the ring is at the top of the list for me,” Jones said.
The Ruston native started for LSU from 1970-1972 and went 26-6-1. He won three bowl games and an SEC Championship and left campus as the school record holder with 3,255 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Jones says playing in Death Valley was unforgettable.
“From beating Notre Dame in Baton Rouge, to Ole Miss games, Auburn games; beating Alabama in Birmingham and just every week, for the three years that I played, was just truly a special time,” Jones noted.
Jones joins Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, Jerry Stovall and Charles Alexander as the former Tigers to have their jerseys retired. All of the jerseys are displayed above the south end zone in Tiger Stadium. Jones says he joins incredible company.
“Pretty elite group; I don’t know how I fit into that group, but I am most appreciative that I am there. Of course, it’s equally special; Tommy and I were roommates and dear friends and still are, so that’s always special,” Jones explained.