Brent Jones spent his entire athletic career—prep, college and professional—in the Bay Area, going from Leland High in San Jose to Santa Clara University to the San Francisco 49ers. He was the thirrd tight end taken in the 1986 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 5th round. After being injured in a car accident, the Steelers released him allowing him to be signed by the 49ers and the rest is history for the South Bay product. Eleven of his twelve years in the NFL were as the Niner’s All-Pro tight end. Jones ranks fifth in 49er career receiving history. In regular season play, he caught 417 passes for 5,195 yards and 33 touchdowns. In addition, Jones had 60 receptions for 740 yards and 5 touchdowns in the playoffs. He helped San Francisco to victories in Super Bowls XXIII, XXIV and XXIX. Jones became the prototype for the tight end position under legendary 49er Coach Bill Walsh, the architect of the West Coast Offense. A strong blocker, he was an integral part of the 49er offense. Jones was an All-Pro and selected for the Pro Bowl’s NFC squad four times: 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995. In 1998, Jones was awarded the AIA Bart Starr Award, given annually to the NFL player who best exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Brent retired from the NFL in 1998 and was quickly signed by CBS Sports for the NFL Today Show, and later as an NFL game analyst. He co-founded Northgate Capital and resides with his family in the Bay Area.

Inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.

Plaque location: SFO Gate 86