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College Football Legend Dead At 54 After Tragic Accident

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Calvin Jones, a name etched in college football lore, has tragically passed away at the age of 54.

The former Nebraska running back, who dazzled fans with his speed and power in the early 1990s, was discovered in the basement of a home in north Omaha on Wednesday night, according to police. Authorities believe Jones died from carbon monoxide poisoning, as he had reportedly been running a generator due to issues with the heating in his home.

Omaha Police were called to a home near 38th and Franklin Street after a neighbor reported a gas odor to firefighters. Officers discovered a man, later identified as Jones, deceased in the basement. Police confirmed to First Alert 6 that a generator was found at the scene, and there were “signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Friend Jo Dusatho told the Omaha World-Herald that Jones had been using a generator in the basement because his furnace was not working.

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Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in high amounts. It’s produced by burning fuel in cars, stoves, fireplaces, and furnaces. CO poisoning is especially dangerous because it’s hard to detect without a carbon monoxide detector.

The cause of death remains unconfirmed as authorities await autopsy results. Jones was celebrated for his record-setting performances and his pivotal role in the Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl-winning season in 1996.

Jones’ legacy will forever be tied to his days in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he became a symbol of Cornhusker pride. Over his three-year college football career at Nebraska in the Big 8 conference, the running back played in 30 games, accumulating impressive rushing and receiving stats. He recorded a total of 461 rushing attempts for 3,153 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry and scoring 40 rushing touchdowns.

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His per-game rushing average stood at 105.1 yards. As a receiver, he made 24 catches for 304 yards, averaging 12.7 yards per reception with 2 receiving touchdowns, contributing an additional 10.1 yards per game. Combining both rushing and receiving, he totaled 485 touches for 3,457 scrimmage yards, averaging 7.1 yards per play and scoring 42 total touchdowns.

Fans fondly recall his sophomore season in 1991 when he ran for 1,162 yards and 14 touchdowns, earning him All-Big Eight honors. His versatility and determination on the field made him a standout not just in college but also during his professional stint in the NFL.

Jones signed with the Green Bay Packers in 1996 and was part of the team’s legendary Super Bowl XXXI victory. While his NFL career was brief, his contributions to the game left a mark on teammates and fans.

News of Jones’ death drew an outpouring of tributes. Former teammates, coaches, and fans have taken to social media to honor the man known for his humility and work ethic as much as his football prowess.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Husker legend and Super Bowl Champion, Calvin Jones. Our hearts go out to the Jones family and he will be greatly missed,” the Huskers said in a statement Monday.

Jones was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Fame in 2004.