Loran Smith - DJ Jones
Loran
Smith
COLUMBUS — Here where the waters of Georgia’s most romantic river—the musical Chattahoochee— bring a lively atmosphere to a vibrant populace bent on becoming a city that combines work and play makes Columbus not only an attractive destination but a place to put down roots. That is what Darryl Jones did when his National Football League venture ended after stints with the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos. He wanted to stay close to the game and, along with Georgia teammate Dale Williams, began producing television shows and documentaries that brought recognition to the many young sports stars in the Muscogee and West Georgia communities along the Alabama border.
He signed on with the University of Georgia in 1980 and was a member of the National Champions, who went undefeated and defeated Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl, 17-10. He was a teammate of Herschel Walker while earning his keep as a defensive back who combined speed and quickness with a reckless abandon that made him one of the most highly regarded DB’s in the Southeastern Conference.
This team bonded to win it all 45 years ago, and the bonding continues as reunions and flashbacks continue to keep the memories of that sensational year fresh in the minds of those serendipitous Dawgs. They were overachievers—a team of destiny who listened with commitment as defensive coordinator Erk Russell kept saying, “Just one more time!” The Bulldogs kept rising to the occasion, winning the SEC title and grasping that No. 1 ranking as the season moved along—then defeated Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl and claimed a national championship.
Herschel kept running over people and the defense kept denying opponent offensive threats. Big play after big play and in the end, an undefeated season that brought glory to ‘ol Georgia. It made that team the most appreciated team in Athens since 1959 when Fran Tarkenton led the Bulldogs to the SEC title and a victory over Missouri in the Orange Bowl—another high moment of serendipity.
“That season will always resonate with the players themselves,” says DJ, as he is commonly referred to by his many friends. “We learned that teamwork, leadership, and an unselfish attitude can enable a team to achieve its goals. Then on top of that, the base that we had which centered around the greatest running back in UGA history, we kept on winning. Two more SEC championships would follow.”
A lot of water has gone over the college football bridge since that time, and Darryl has dedicated himself to promoting high school athletics in his hometown. “We see so many deserving kids out there and we believe that continued from page
in spite of all the problems and challenges, there are many deserving kids who are interested in the game and want an education.
“When I was at Carver High School here in Columbus where we didn’t win more than 10 games in four years and then saw Georgia who went from a 6-5 season in 1979 to the national championship in 1980 was almost too good to be true.”
An interesting circumstance took place during practice for the 1984 Cotton Bowl in Dallas when the Bulldogs pulled off that memorable 10-9 upset of Texas. It was bitterly cold much of the trip for this game. “When someone complained about the weather, Coach Bill Lewis scolded us and said, ‘Be quiet. You could be in Green Bay.’ Just a few weeks later, I was drafted by the Packers. I learned to adjust to the weather. There were a lot of Southern boys who played for the Packers and they seemed to manage. Playing in Green Bay was a terrific experience. They won a lot of championships and there was an attitude that if you come to Green, the community will support the team and that that the winning tradition with the Packers is something that they don’t take for granted.”
Darryl found a similar fan base in Green Bay that he was accustomed to when he was playing for the Bulldogs. “The entire state, same as it is in Georgia, is interested in and is supportive of the team. I have always felt that was the way it was in the state of Georgia with the Bulldogs.
“With Green Bay, it doesn’t matter the weather, the fans can’t wait to go to the stadium, no matter how cold it is. They don’t mind the snow and the wind chill, they just loved their football like nobody else.”
Tradition is something DJ appreciates; he honors the work ethic and is motivated to find ways to underscore promotions and programs that help high school kids. The leadership principles he learned at Georgia are part of the objective to host banquets and promote scholarship objectives for the high school teams he covers in the Columbus area.
When he talks to high school kids about winning championships, he points out that the ingredients of a successful program start with team loyalty, hard work, and leadership. “And selflessness,” he interjects. “That was one of the things that meant so much to our 1980 team was that we had a special togetherness that brought results. We literally didn’t care who got the headlines, we were interested in complementing each other on the field.”
Darryl has often pointed to the remarkable display of sportsmanship and altruism that came with the attitude of his teammate Herschel Walker. He gave of himself to his teammates and never wanted to be the center of attention. “Herschel was always paying tribute to his linemen,” Darryl says. “Because he was so unselfish, his linemen would literally run through a brick wall for him.
“There were other players who were just like him, like Nat Hudson, Frank Ross, Terry Hoage, and Scott Woerner.”
He points out that the members of this team have kept in touch with each other like no other team in Georgia history. Ross, the captain, has kept in touch with all team members and is constantly organizing reunions and get-togethers.
“We are getting long in the tooth,” Darryl says, “but we still enjoy finding time for reunions so we can relive and sort the great memories that we have. There are many times when I am riding to Athens for a game, I recall the big games and highlights of that season. And then I think about how nice it would be if every player could enjoy that experience.
“And you know, some player on the high school level this year will have that experience. They will be able to succeed at a high level and enjoy memories like we had in 1980. It was unforgettable.”
The sense of community was a theme of that team, and now one of its most accomplished players is making a difference in Columbus and Muscogee County.
