LOS ANGELES, June 4 (UPI) -- NFL Hall of Famer Deacon Jones died in Southern California Monday at the age of 74, the Washington Redskins said.
"The #Redskins have learned via EVP/GM Bruce Allen that @ProFootballHOF David 'Deacon' Jones has passed away from natural causes," the team said in a tweet.
"Deacon Jones was one of the greatest players in NFL history," Allen told Redskins.com. "Off the field, he was a true giant. His passion and spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him" said Allen. "He was cherished member of the Allen family and I will always consider him my big brother."
Jones coined the term "quarterback sack" and was known as the "secretary of defense." He played defensive end for the Los Angeles Rams (1961-71), San Diego Chargers (1972-73) and the Redskins (1974). He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
