Brent Jones

Biography

Brent Michael Jones (born on February 12, 1963) is a former NFL tight end whose combination of intelligence, toughness, and precision route-running helped redefine the position for the modern passing era. A San Jose native, the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Jones arrived in the league as a fifth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1986, but his career truly began when he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1987. Over his 11 seasons in San Francisco, he became one of the most reliable and productive tight ends of the 1990s, earning four Pro Bowl selections and helping the franchise secure three Super Bowl championships. Jones helped revolutionize the concept of the pass-catching tight end and retired as the 49ers' all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns at the position. Jones's strengths were rooted in his versatility: he was a disciplined blocker in the run game, a precise route technician, and a trusted third-down target for both Joe Montana and Steve Young. His ability to find soft spots in coverage made him a natural fit for Bill Walsh's West Coast Offense, where timing and reliability were paramount. Among his most memorable plays was his seven-yard touchdown in Super Bowl XXIV, a perfectly timed strike from Montana that helped set the tone in a 55-10 victory over Denver. Another signature moment came in the 1990 playoffs, when Jones hauled in a 47-yard catch against Washington—still the longest postseason reception of his career. And in 1995, he delivered one of his finest playoff performances with eight receptions for 112 yards against Green Bay, showcasing his ability to elevate his game in high-pressure moments. After his retirement in 1997, Jones transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, serving as an analyst for CBS's The NFL Today and later as a color commentator. He also became a successful businessman, co-founding Northgate Capital, a global venture capital and private equity firm. Beyond football and business, Jones has been active in philanthropy, youth mentorship, and Christian ministry, continuing the leadership and integrity that defined his playing career.