Joe “Turkey” Jones may not be a household name for this generation, but he was an NFL defensive end that started his career with the Cleveland Browns in 1970.
Jones was synonymous with the NFL and Thanksgiving long before John Madden and Pat Summerall began offering turkey legs to players with great games on Thanksgiving day.
How Joe “Turkey” Jones Got His Nickname
Veteran Browns players reportedly pulled a prank on the rookies sending them out to farms in search of free Thanksgiving turkeys that did not exist.
While his fellow rookies realized it was a joke and gave up the futile search, Jones persisted and hence the nickname was born. He was believed to even fall for the same prank in his second season.
Joe “Turkey”Jones. Got the nickname from veterans when they sent rookies to get a “Free Turkey” for Thanksgiving. Not only did he fall for the fake turkey run, but he fell for it again in his 2nd year.
— kell (@kellkill1) September 8, 2018
However, there is another theory on how Jones earned the nickname. His Tennessee State teammates claimed they gave him the moniker long before his NFL days because he looked like a turkey when he ran.
The Dirty Play Joe “Turkey” Jones Is Known For
Jones is more widely known for the 1976 sack on Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw.
After the 4th quarter play was whistled dead, Jones picked up Bradshaw WWE style and deposited him on the ground head first.
It is considered to be one of the dirtiest plays in NFL history.
Bradshaw sustained a spinal injury and a concussion, and Jones was levied a $3,000 fine.
October 10, 1976#Browns defensive end Turkey Jones pile drives #Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw into the Cleveland turf.
Bradshaw suffers a spinal injury and concussion and would miss the next two and a half games.
Terry — one tough, tough dude.#HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/IMoHibMx0c
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) October 10, 2025
In addition to two stints with the Browns, Jones, 77, also played for the Eagles and Redskins during 11 NFL seasons. He concluded his career in 1980 with 46.5 sacks.
