Seahawks Linebacker Ernest Jones IV smokes cigar during post-NFC Championship press conference

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Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV smokes cigar during post-NFC Championship press conference

by: Brian Jones - 16 hours ago

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV smoked a cigar while speaking to reporters during the post-NFC Championship on Sunday night. After Seattle defeated the Los Angeles Rams to earn the right to play in Super Bowl LX, Jones was seen smoking a victory cigar when he began speaking to the media.

“I can’t describe it, man. This is everything that we prayed for, everything that we worked for,” Ernest Jones IV said. “…Won the West, won the division, now we’re NFC Champions. There’s nothing better. I’m excited, ready for this opportunity.

Jones led the Seahawks with eight tackles in the 31-27 victory over the Rams. It was fitting for the former South Carolina star to have a big night, considering he had a strong regular season. In 15 games, Jones posted 126 tackles, half a sack, five interceptions, seven passes defended, and one defensive touchdown. His work during the regular season led to him being selected to the All-Pro Second Team.

Sunday’s win was likely an emotional one for Jones since he was facing his former team. The Rams selected the 26-year-old in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and Jones helped the team win the Super Bowl during the rookie season. Before the start of the 2024 season, the Rams traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans. He played six games in Tennessee before the team traded him to the Seahawks.

Ernest Jones IV talks about his relationship with Mike Macdonald

In October, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald detailed the impact Jones has on the defense. “I don’t think I can say anything that you that you guys haven’t seen,” Macdonald said, per Ari Horton of Seahawks.com. “You need someone in the middle of your defense to be an anchor, patrol the middle of the paint, make plays in the run and the pass game, and he’s doing that. Then you add his mentality, his toughness, and leadership, it’s made a difference for us.”

“I always think I’m Mike’s (Macdonald) favorite, honestly,” Jones said jokingly. “I have to be. [Macdonald and I] talk often, trying to see, because I’ll get in situations where it’s loud in Lumen Field and I can’t hear Mike. So I have to get in situations where I have to make calls, so we’re always constantly communicating on that aspect of it. During the game, we got a TV timeout, go check in with him, see what he’s thinking. I think our relationship is unique.”

Source: https://www.on3.com/pro/news/seahawks-lb-ernest-jones-iv-smokes-cigar-during-post-nfc-championship-press-conference/