John Jones

John Jones (born February 6, 1952) is a former American football executive who briefly served as president of the Green Bay Packers. Jones, who was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, attended Loyola University of the South for his undergraduate studies and the University of Wisconsin-Madison for his post-graduate studies, both in the field of journalism. For 11 years, he served as a teacher of journalism at Loyola and as a journalist for New Orleans Times-Picayune. During his career as a journalist, Jones covered the National Football League and the New Orleans Saints. He transitioned from his journalism career to an executive of American football, first with the NFL Management Council and then with two NFL teams: the Jacksonville Jaguars and then the Packers. During his tenure with the Packers, he was identified by then-team president Bob Harlan as his chosen successor. In 2006, Jones was promoted from vice president and chief operating officer (COO) to president and COO, with Harlan retaining ultimate executive power over the Packers organization as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for another year until Harlan's planned retirement in May 2007. During this transition period, Jones experienced health complications and complaints about his leadership style. Shortly before the planned hand over to Jones, the Packers put him on an indefinite leave of absence and then ultimately severed ties with him. The Packers presidency officially remained vacant, with Harlan staying on as CEO, until the Packers elected Mark Murphy as the team's 11th president at the end of 2007. Early life and college John Jones was born on February 6, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Loyola University of the South, where he received his undergraduate degree in journalism in 1973. He then moved to Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to complete his master's degree in journalism. Professional career