Zay Jones is a professional NFL player known for his standout college career at East Carolina University, where he set an NCAA record with 399 receptions. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2017, he faced consistency challenges before reviving his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021. Recently, he re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals in March 2025. With an estimated net worth of $8 million, Jones continues to impact the league markedly. More insights await about his path and achievements.
Early Life
Zay Jones is a professional NFL player who grew up in a football-centric family, heavily influenced by his father, Robert Jones, a former NFL linebacker, and his uncle, Jeff Blake, a notable NFL quarterback.
This strong football lineage ignited Zay’s passion for the sport from a young age. Throughout his childhood, he developed his skills in football, which led him to present his talents at Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin, Texas.
After excelling in high school football, he continued his athletic career at East Carolina University, where he made history by setting the NCAA Division 1 career receptions record with an impressive 399 catches.
Family Life
Zay Jones comes from a notable football family, with a strong legacy in the sport. His father, Robert Jones, had a successful ten-year career as an NFL linebacker, while his uncle, Jeff Blake, played as a quarterback in the league.
Zay also has two athletic brothers, Cayleb and Vi Jones, who share his passion for sports. This rich family background has greatly influenced Zay’s football path and aspirations, shaping his identity both on and off the field.
The combination of his family’s deep ties to professional football and his own achievements has been essential in his development as an athlete.
Career
Zay Jones was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the following round of the 2017 NFL Draft, following an impressive college career at East Carolina University where he set the NCAA record for career receptions with 399.
During his tenure with the Bills from 2017 to 2019, Jones faced challenges with consistency, concluding his subsequent season with a 21.2% target share and a 58.7% catch rate.
After a brief period with the Oakland and Las Vegas Raiders, he experienced a career resurgence upon signing a three-year, $24 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, where he significantly led the team in playoff receptions.
Most recently, on March 11, 2025, Jones re-signed with the Arizona Cardinals after being activated from suspension in October 2024, continuing to make an impact in the NFL.
Net Worth
As of October 2023, Zay Jones’ estimated net worth is approximately $8 million, primarily derived from his NFL contracts and endorsements.
Remarkably, he signed a three-year contract worth $24 million with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021, which included $14 million guaranteed.
Throughout his NFL career, Zay Jones has earned considerable salaries, including $3 million with the Buffalo Bills in 2017, $1.5 million with the Oakland Raiders in 2019, $2 million with the Raiders in 2020, $8 million with the Jaguars in 2021, and $3 million with the Jaguars in 2022.
Along with his playing salary, Zay Jones has benefited from endorsement deals and sponsorships, which are common for NFL players with his level of visibility and performance.
With a career spanning multiple seasons and teams, Zay Jones’ net worth reflects both his on-field earnings and the financial opportunities that come with being a professional athlete.