Chandler Jones, a former wide receiver for San Jose State, tragically passed away at 33 after being struck by a vehicle, as reported by the program on Monday.
According to the California Highway Patrol, Jones was hit by a Toyota RAV4 around 2 AM on Sunday and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The incident took place near an off-ramp on the eastbound 90 highway.
In a heartfelt tribute, the San Jose State Football Program acknowledged him on social media, stating, “In our minds forever, #89—In loving memory of Spartan wide receiver and coach Chandler Jones.”
Jones enjoyed a standout four-year career with the Spartans from 2010 to 2013, leaving as the program’s all-time leader in receptions (248) and touchdown receptions (29).
Throughout his college career, he consistently recorded at least 50 catches each season, accumulating 79 receptions in his senior year, which brought in 1,356 yards.
He was recognized with first-team All-Mountain West Honors, named an All-America Wide Receiver, and participated in the To-Sai Shrine Game.
San Jose State head coach expressed his sorrow, saying, “My heart is broken with the news that I’m losing this incredible person. Our thoughts and prayers are directed at his friends and family. From his freshman year as WR to coaching our staff, he made @sanjoseStateFB better every day. Jet was special.”
After graduating, Jones spent time on training squads for the Buccaneers, Colts, and Browns in 2014, and played with the CFL’s Montreal Aloet in 2015. He returned to San Jose State as a graduate assistant in 2017 after being on an active roster in 2016.
Jones also had coaching roles with the Aloet and the University of Idaho.
Before making a name for himself at San Jose, he was known as “Jet,” a local football star at Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance, California.
Bishop Montgomery’s official Facebook account expressed their sadness saying, “It’s a great sadness that we share the passage of Chandler Jones ’09, alum street. Jones was a standout on Bishop’s soccer team and holds records for the longest kickoff return (97 yards) and the longest fumble recovery (98 yards).”
