Jonathan Jones has offered new meaning to the Philadelphia Eagles’ fight song, “Fly, Eagles Fly.”
Jones, an NFL defensive back and licensed pilot, flew himself to Philadelphia on Wednesday morning to sign his contract with the Eagles. He was in the cockpit of a single-engine turboprop aircraft from Charlotte, N.C., a flight that typically takes about 70-75 minutes from takeoff to landing.
“Found a little passion for aviation,” Jones said in a video conference with media members Wednesday. “It’s a little hobby of mine that I enjoy doing.”
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Jones, 32, is entering his 11th NFL season. He won two Super Bowls in nine seasons with the New England Patriots before spending 2025 with the Washington Commanders. He is expected to add a veteran presence to a secondary that includes All-Pro cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean and top newcomer Riq Woolen. Jones’ experience (152 career games and 80 career starts, including the playoffs) and versatility will allow him to play multiple spots in the secondary, and his background with new secondary coach Mike Pellegrino is also an advantage.
His NFL career has also allowed him to explore aviation.
A self-described “country boy” who grew up in Carrollton, Ga., Jones said he was “always outside” on bicycles and four-wheelers as a child. He upgraded his mode of transportation upon being exposed to general aviation, which became his new hobby while he played for the Patriots.
“Took a discovery flight and fell in love with it,” said Jones, who earned his pilot’s license in 2023.
It’s customary for players who sign with the Eagles to fly to Philadelphia and explore the city during their initial visit to get a taste of their new home. Jones offered — and witnessed — a perspective atypical in an introductory news conference or on a player’s itinerary.
“Kind of nice to have an approach over the Delaware River,” Jones said. “It was a nice touch to the morning.”
Part of the focus of Jones’ foundation — Jonathan Jones Next Step — includes exposing children to aviation. He flies his own children along the East Coast, which is a bit different from sitting in the carpool lane. When they come to games this fall, they’ll hear the Eagles’ fight song. Turns out, Jones has something in common with his new team.
“Any time I can fly,” Jones said. “I love it.”