Utah native, former Bronco finds meaning after NFL career


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SALT LAKE CITY — Former Utah defensive standout Star Lotulelei will make his Super Bowl debut with the Carolina Panthers in two weeks.

But 29 years ago, Weber High grad and former Utah State standout Rulon Jones made his own Super Bowl debut with the Denver Broncos. Jones is one of just 15 Aggies to play in a Super Bowl, and one of five to play in more than one. His number is retired at Weber High School.

But as a young boy growing up just outside of Ogden, Jones never had Super Bowl dreams. He wanted to be a rancher. He didn't choose football — football chose him.

"We won a lot of games in the '80s," Jones said from his home in Idaho.

The Denver Broncos were one of the most successful franchises of the decade. And Jones became one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL with the Broncos nearly 30 years ago. In 1986, he had 13.5 sacks, finished first-team All-Pro — and helped Denver to the Super Bowl.

He was named to two Pro Bowls, and played in two Super Bowls.

"It's hard to explain, when you run out on that field, the adrenaline and the satisfaction of just being there," Jones said. "Unfortunately we didn't win a Super Bowl while I was there. But just being there was gratifying."

Just two years after recording 2 sacks in a season, Jones decided it was time to walk away from the game. He played nine years in the NFL, all with the Broncos, and retired as their all-time sack leader.

"If the next stage of my life can be as successful as this stage, I'm going to be in great shape," Jones said on the eve of his retirement. "As I look over the last nine years, it's been great."

Photo: Dave Noriega, KSL TV
Photo: Dave Noriega, KSL TV

"I was ready not too long after it happened," Jones continued years later. "But not too long after that, the reality set in. Your whole life and whole identity is something different now, and it's a challenge for a lot of ballplayers."

Still, Jones turned to another of his passions to help ease the transition. He owns an outfitter company and taxidermy shop in Firth, Idaho.

"I love the outdoors. It's something I love, and I've been fortunate to do football that I loved and transition to this," he said.

"The hunt doesn't last long; it's over, and to be able to relive that moment with the way you preserve the animal is pretty important."

Three decades later, the lessons he's learned from the game of football — on the biggest stage in the world — has impacted his life in a positive way in more than just the athletic realm.

"I've learned, and it's helped me be successful in my business now," Jones said. "I've been able to take those lessons from the game and apply them to what I do in business."

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Thirty years after he and his teammates reached the biggest stage in sports, Jones' old teammates John Elway and Gary Kubiak have led a new generation of Broncos back to that stage.

"You're always happy to see somebody you know succeed. They learned from that era that I was a part of, carried on that tradition, and I'm cheering for those guys and the organization."

Jones looks back with fondness on his nine years with the Broncos. But he's found even more happiness in his life after football.

"As great as that was, it doesn't compare to family, or your religion or any of that stuff," he said. "It's great to have experienced that and learn from it. But it doesn't compare to any of the other, solid stuff of life.

"I've been very fortunate to do all that, and to have a wife that goes along with it. There have been challenges, but I can't complain."

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