A beloved former Buffalo Bills player has officially hung up his cleats, sending shockwaves through fans who once cheered him on during some of the team’s most memorable moments.
After being released by the Dallas Cowboys, veteran running back Taiwan Jones has announced his retirement from the NFL, ending a remarkable career defined by grit, leadership, and special teams excellence. While Jones never lit up the stat sheet, he was the kind of player coaches love — dependable, selfless, and always ready to do the dirty work.
Originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2011, Jones later became a standout fan favorite in Buffalo. His two stints with the Bills (2017–2018, 2020–2022) saw him serve as a crucial special teams ace and locker room leader. Though his offensive touches were limited, his impact off the ball and behind the scenes was impossible to ignore. Bills Mafia embraced his hard-nosed mentality and team-first attitude.
Jones briefly joined the New York Giants before signing with the Cowboys in 2024, hoping to extend his career, but was released during the offseason. Rather than pursue another team, the 35-year-old decided it was time to walk away from the game on his own terms.
“It’s been a hell of a ride,” Jones said in a farewell message to fans. “I gave this game everything I had, and I’ll always be grateful for the journey.”
His retirement marks the end of a 12-year NFL journey — an impressive feat in a league where the average career lasts less than four years. While he may not have been a household name nationwide, Taiwan Jones earned every ounce of respect in Buffalo and beyond.