The Florida State legend will be honored on December 6 in Las Vegas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Dec. 5, 2022

 TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Oilers Football Team continues a long line of celebrations. From the announcement of the purchase of the franchise, to the team identity reveal, coach and player contract signings and more, we see once again greatness recognized. 

Tulsa Oilers Football head coach Marvin Jones enters his immortal legacy as a 2022 College Football Hall of Fame electee. Jones was honored by his alma mater Florida State at their home game on November 25 against the University of Florida. This celebration was a part of the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute program, which started in 1951. Through this program, players receive a Hall of Fame plaque that stays on campus permanently to honor them. This ceremony saw Jones applauded by a sold-out Doak S. Campbell Stadium as they reminisced upon Jones’ historic Seminole career. 

After being nominated in 2021, the Butkus Award winner saw his hall of fame career recognized in a tangible way when he received a box in the mail in January 2022 with his induction announcement inscribed on a football. 

“It was surreal,” said Jones as he reflected on the initial news of his induction. “It is the pinnacle of everything I have accomplished in my college career, and it was an overwhelming time in my life. With the passing of coach Bobby Bowden, and my son signing to play at the University of Georgia all around the same time, there was a lot to reflect on.”

Bowden had passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer just months before Jones was granted the news of his induction into the Hall of Fame. Bowden was the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles from 1976-2009, including all three seasons Jones played in the Sunshine State from 1990-1992. Bowden had a .760-win percentage in his 34 years with the Seminoles and achieved over 400 wins. 

“Coach Bowden was the first person that I thought of,” said Jones when asked about who had a remarkable impact on making his hall of fame moment come to fruition. “I wish he could have seen this moment.”

Being back in Tallahassee brought back a wave of emotion for the Tulsa Oilers head coach. With a royal treatment of hospitality and a VIP-level entrance into the stadium, a multitude of memories and grateful moments rushed over Jones. 

“The fans are just so great,” said Jones in response to how he feels about reuniting with the Florida State community. “From the president of the university down to everyone in the athletic department, everyone has made this place so special.”

Those close to him during the ceremony meant a tremendous amount to the former linebacker.

“My brother Fred got the opportunity to make it there,” said Jones, recalling his on-field ceremony cast of support. “He has been by my side always and my sister-in-law Joyce being there made that moment on the field amazing.”

A summarization of the immaculate college career of the former 11-year NFL veteran was on display in Doak S. Campbell Stadium as they replayed “The Hit.” The rivalry between Florida State and Miami has always had its classic moments, and this was undoubtedly one. On a Saturday in early October, #3 Florida State faced #2 Miami, a matchup that the Miami, Florida native looked forward to and made the most of. With less than two minutes remaining in the first half, the eventual Heisman Trophy-winning Hurricane quarterback Gino Torretta dropped back to throw and dumped a quick pass off to running back Larry Jones up the middle, Jones did the rest. A bone-crunching hit delivered onto the 1995 Redskins draft pick shocked the stadium. It was a hit that flipped the ball carrier almost upside down and personified Jones’s pure impact on the field. 

“That hit has always been a part of the history of Florida State, especially during Miami week,” said Jones, reflecting on his famous open field play. “It was something that sticks with the fanbase, and I am proud of that.”

When the lights went down and the night concluded, it allowed a suitable time for the inaugural Oilers coach to reflect on how his past can help shape the future. 

“Anything involved with football, you should approach it as if it is your last time, whether it is a play, workout, or even studying,” said Jones when asked what he wants to emphasize to the next generation of players. “Don’t focus on who has the best stats and who has the most accolades, just focus on getting better every chance you get and be the best player you can be with your opportunity.”

Tulsa Oilers head coach Marvin Jones will be honored in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel. The National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame will host their 64th annual Awards Dinner on December 6. The dinner will recognize not only Jones but will also see players such as Andrew Luck (Stanford), Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), Roy Williams (Oklahoma) and many more.

The Oilers will begin their inaugural season in 2023. 

 Tulsa Oilers Football Season and Group Tickets are on sale now! Call the front office at 918-632-7825 or visit www.tulsaoilersfootball.com for more information.




OILERS FOOTBALL HEAD COACH MARVIN JONES ENTERS COLLEGE FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME

The Florida State legend will be honored on December 6 in Las Vegas.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Dec. 5, 2022

 TULSA, Okla. – The Tulsa Oilers Football Team continues a long line of celebrations. From the announcement of the purchase of the franchise, to the team identity reveal, coach and player contract signings and more, we see once again greatness recognized. 

Tulsa Oilers Football head coach Marvin Jones enters his immortal legacy as a 2022 College Football Hall of Fame electee. Jones was honored by his alma mater Florida State at their home game on November 25 against the University of Florida. This celebration was a part of the NFF Hall of Fame On-Campus Salute program, which started in 1951. Through this program, players receive a Hall of Fame plaque that stays on campus permanently to honor them. This ceremony saw Jones applauded by a sold-out Doak S. Campbell Stadium as they reminisced upon Jones’ historic Seminole career. 

After being nominated in 2021, the Butkus Award winner saw his hall of fame career recognized in a tangible way when he received a box in the mail in January 2022 with his induction announcement inscribed on a football. 

“It was surreal,” said Jones as he reflected on the initial news of his induction. “It is the pinnacle of everything I have accomplished in my college career, and it was an overwhelming time in my life. With the passing of coach Bobby Bowden, and my son signing to play at the University of Georgia all around the same time, there was a lot to reflect on.”

Bowden had passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer just months before Jones was granted the news of his induction into the Hall of Fame. Bowden was the head coach of the Florida State Seminoles from 1976-2009, including all three seasons Jones played in the Sunshine State from 1990-1992. Bowden had a .760-win percentage in his 34 years with the Seminoles and achieved over 400 wins. 

“Coach Bowden was the first person that I thought of,” said Jones when asked about who had a remarkable impact on making his hall of fame moment come to fruition. “I wish he could have seen this moment.”

Being back in Tallahassee brought back a wave of emotion for the Tulsa Oilers head coach. With a royal treatment of hospitality and a VIP-level entrance into the stadium, a multitude of memories and grateful moments rushed over Jones. 

“The fans are just so great,” said Jones in response to how he feels about reuniting with the Florida State community. “From the president of the university down to everyone in the athletic department, everyone has made this place so special.”

Those close to him during the ceremony meant a tremendous amount to the former linebacker.

“My brother Fred got the opportunity to make it there,” said Jones, recalling his on-field ceremony cast of support. “He has been by my side always and my sister-in-law Joyce being there made that moment on the field amazing.”

A summarization of the immaculate college career of the former 11-year NFL veteran was on display in Doak S. Campbell Stadium as they replayed “The Hit.” The rivalry between Florida State and Miami has always had its classic moments, and this was undoubtedly one. On a Saturday in early October, #3 Florida State faced #2 Miami, a matchup that the Miami, Florida native looked forward to and made the most of. With less than two minutes remaining in the first half, the eventual Heisman Trophy-winning Hurricane quarterback Gino Torretta dropped back to throw and dumped a quick pass off to running back Larry Jones up the middle, Jones did the rest. A bone-crunching hit delivered onto the 1995 Redskins draft pick shocked the stadium. It was a hit that flipped the ball carrier almost upside down and personified Jones’s pure impact on the field. 

“That hit has always been a part of the history of Florida State, especially during Miami week,” said Jones, reflecting on his famous open field play. “It was something that sticks with the fanbase, and I am proud of that.”

When the lights went down and the night concluded, it allowed a suitable time for the inaugural Oilers coach to reflect on how his past can help shape the future. 

“Anything involved with football, you should approach it as if it is your last time, whether it is a play, workout, or even studying,” said Jones when asked what he wants to emphasize to the next generation of players. “Don’t focus on who has the best stats and who has the most accolades, just focus on getting better every chance you get and be the best player you can be with your opportunity.”

Tulsa Oilers head coach Marvin Jones will be honored in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel. The National Football Foundation and the College Hall of Fame will host their 64th annual Awards Dinner on December 6. The dinner will recognize not only Jones but will also see players such as Andrew Luck (Stanford), Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), Roy Williams (Oklahoma) and many more.

The Oilers will begin their inaugural season in 2023. 

 Tulsa Oilers Football Season and Group Tickets are on sale now! Call the front office at 918-632-7825 or visit www.tulsaoilersfootball.com for more information.

Taylor Hall