Pirates Sign Former National Champion QB Cardale Jones
Presented by Phoenix Communications, Inc.

By: Mick Moninghoff
Pirates Broadcaster
December 22, 2022

WORCESTER, MA - The Massachusetts Pirates have signed quarterback Cardale Jones for the 2023 season. Jones gained national recognition as a redshirt sophomore in 2014 as he ascended from the third spot on the Ohio State depth chart to start the final three games of the season, leading the Buckeyes to a National Championship. Jones later was selected in the fourth round of the 2016 National Football League Draft by the Buffalo Bills. This will be his first time taking his talents indoors.

The 6'5", 245 lb. Cleveland, Ohio native most recently had signed a contract with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League in May of this year. Pirates Co-Owner, President and General Manager Jawad Yatim knows what Jones can bring to his team.

"Cardale is a winner. He has the ability to create and improvise, obviously has a live arm and has competed at the highest levels of football. We're excited to insert his skill set and abilities within our organization. We want a locker room full of enthusiasm this year and my conversations with Cardale have only reflected that sentiment. We're really glad to have him," Yatim said. 

In 23 games at Ohio State Jones attempted 270 passes completing 167 for 2,323 yards with 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Jones also ran the ball 153 times for 617 yards and four touchdowns. He finished his college career 11-0 as a starter but his magical three game run in 2014 turned him into a Buckeye legend. 

Injuries to Braxton Miller and T.J. Barrett forced Jones into the starting line up for Urban Meyer's team. In his first career start Jones led the sixth ranked Buckeyes to a 59-0 win over 11th ranked Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game. Jones was the game's Most Valuable Player as he was 12 of 17 passing for 257 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Buckeyes moved on to the semifinals of the newly formed college football playoff and faced top ranked Alabama. Jones was victorious again going 18 of 35 for 243 yards with a touchdown in a 42-35 win as teammate Ezekiel Elliott ran for 230 yards and two scores.  Jones closed out the season defeating the previously undefeated Oregon Ducks led by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Marcus Mariota, 42 to 20. Jones was 16 of 23 for 242 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He also ran for 38 yards and scored a touchdown. The following season he started the first seven games for the Buckeyes and established a career high of 21 completions and 291 yards along with two touchdowns in a win over Maryland. 

In 2016 The Buffalo Bills drafted Jones in the fourth round taking him 139th overall. He saw action in the final game of the season against the New York Jets and was 6 of 11 passing for 96 yards with an interception.

In 2017 he was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers and remained on their practice squad until 2019. That year he also spent one week with the Seattle Seahawks.

Jones last game action came in 2020 when he played in five games for the D.C, Defenders of the XFL. He started all five games before the league suspended operations. Jones completed 54 percent of his passes going 61 of 11 for 674 yards with four touchdowns. He also ran 17 times for 61 yards.

The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL). The Pirates play all home games at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center located at 50 Foster St. Worcester, MA, 01608. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. For 2023 season, half-season, luxury, or group ticket packages please call 508-452-MASS (6277) or visit www.masspiratesfootball.com/tickets. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.