Former Texas A&M athlete Toya Jones dies at 49

Toya Jones, a former standout athlete for Texas A&M University, has died at the age of 49. According to reports, Jones passed away on Thursday after being placed in hospice care the previous day. While an official cause of death has not been released, it was reported that he suffered a heart attack last weekend.

Jones was a prominent figure in both football and track and field. As a defensive back for the Aggies from 1995 to 1998, he was noted for a critical tackle on the one-yard line during the 1998 Big 12 title game against Kansas State, helping secure a double-overtime victory. His senior season marked the last time the program won a conference title.

In addition to his football career, Jones was an accomplished track athlete. He was inducted into the Texas Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2020 following a high school career that included three state championships and 17 medals at the state meet. Following his collegiate career, he played two seasons in the CFL and one season in the XFL.