Falcons’ Jones named NFL Rookie of the Month

Release from the Atlanta Falcons:

Deion Jones wins NFL defensive rookie of the month for the month of September.

 Through three games Jones has recorded 25 total tackles, which leads all rookies in that category. In week three, the New Orleans native had quite a homecoming at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Monday Night Football, totaling nine tackles (eight solo), one interception and two passes defensed.

 Jones and his family were displaced during hurricane Katrina when it hit the city 10 years ago, but on Monday night, he lifted Atlanta to a victory over his hometown team with a 90-yard pick six. With the Saints trailing 38-25 and driving, the rookie from LSU intercepted a Drew Brees pass and raced down the sideline to put the Falcons up by 20 with just over a quarter to play. Jones’ pick six was tied for the third longest in franchise history behind Tom Pridemore (101), Chevis Jackson (95), and Ken Reaves (90).

 Jones is the third player in franchise history to win the NFL rookie of the month award – first defensive player – joining Julio Jones and Matt Ryan.