song "Deacon Blues" by Steely Dan. Death On June 3, 2013, Jones died at 74 of natural causes after suffering from lung cancer and heart disease at his home in Anaheim Hills, California. Jones's death left Rosey Grier as the last surviving member of the Fearsome Foursome, the L.A. Rams defensive line which is widely considered the best such unit in the history of the NFL. Of the former defensive standout, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, "Even with his fellow Hall of Famers, Deacon Jones held a special status. He was an icon among the icons." Washington Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen, son of Jones's longtime coach George Allen, called him "one of the greatest players in NFL history. Off the field... a true giant." Sports Illustrated'' columnist Peter King noted at his death that Jones had a profound effect on the way defense was played in the NFL and cited the influence on such later NFL stars as Lawrence Taylor, Deion Sanders, and Michael Strahan. As a tribute to Jones, the NFL created the Deacon Jones Award, which is given annually to the league leader in sacks. References External links Deacon Jones Foundation 1938 births 2013 deaths African-American players of American football African-American sports announcers African-American sports journalists American Conference Pro Bowl players American football defensive ends American rhythm and blues singers Deaths from lung cancer in California Los Angeles Rams announcers Los Angeles Rams players Mississippi Valley State Delta Devils football players National Conference Pro Bowl players National Football League announcers People from Anaheim Hills, California People from Eatonville, Florida Players of American football from Florida Players of American football from Anaheim, California Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees San Diego Chargers players South Carolina State Bulldogs football players Sportspeople from Orange County, Florida War (American band) members Washington Redskins players Western Conference Pro Bowl players National Football League players with retired numbers