Powell Valley legend Thomas Jones selected as modern-day nominee for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Big Stone Gap native and former NFL running back Thomas Jones was named one of the 128 candidates for the modern-era player class of 2026 for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Powell Valley legend who set numerous VHSL records including most rushing yards in 1 game and most career touchdowns led the Vikings to back-to-back state titles in 1994 & 95.

Jones spent 12 seasons in the NFL; his career started as a first round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals and included a trip to Super Bowl 41 in 2007 where Chicago lost to Peyton Manning and the Colts 29-17. Jones was also a Hall of Fame nominee in 2020.

(IMAGE: Pro Football Hall of Fame / Google Maps)