RIP Johnny "Lam" Jones

TheSportsPredictor · Mar 15, 2019

Former Olympic gold medalist and NY Jet dies from cancer. Only 60 years old:

https://www.hookem.com/2019/03/15/f...n-johnny-lam-jones-passes-away-cancer-battle/

CD Boogie · Mar 15, 2019

one of the great sports names of all time. just a perfect ring to it. Without the "Lam," he was just Johnny Jones.

Didn't realize he was drafted No. 2 overall by the Jets. Not a great pick, obviously, as he was at best a marginal contributor in his career.

BTW, I'm guessing "Lam" is short for Lampsas, his high school? When I was a kid -- before the Internet and the boom of ESPN -- I used to hear his name on Jets broadcasts and among fans and always think they were saying Johnny "Lamb" Jones.

RIP

justgladtobehere · Mar 15, 2019

I'm just a bit too young to remember him. When I saw the name, though, my first thought was that 'lam' was referring to ''on the lam', meaning he ran like he was on the lam. That's cool, if a little convoluted.

The Big Ragu · Mar 15, 2019

He began the tradition of Jets fans booing at the draft in the 80s.

They traded away two future first-round picks to move up and get him. ... they took him ahead of Anthony Munoz and Art Monk (I know, it's hindsight, but still). And then he proceeded to demonstrate that world class sprinter speed and cement hands. ... doesn't work on a football field.

RIP. Sounded like he had some serious downs and ups after his playing career.

Old Crank · Mar 15, 2019

justgladtobehere said:
I'm just a bit too young to remember him. When I saw the name, though, my first thought was that 'lam' was referring to ''on the lam', meaning he ran like he was on the lam. That's cool, if a little convoluted.

Some of you should remember Lam, Ham and Jam Jones:
https://www.hookem.com/2015/12/23/texas-goes-bowling-on-this-date-122378-sun-bowl/

Slacker · Mar 15, 2019

And now the rest of the story ...

Texas had the triple-threat in terms of Johnny Jones — Ham, Lam and Jam. All three had the same name, but were unrelated.

Texas 42, Maryland 0 | Recaps - Hyundai Sun Bowl | December 31, 2019 | El Paso, Texas

EDIT: @Old Crank you *******!