Byron Jones earns respect even if he’s still looking for it from family

Cornerback Byron Jones has earned the respect of the NFL, but he’s still looking for it from his brothers.

The fourth-year Dallas Cowboy, who earned his first-career Pro Bowl selection in his first season at corner is taking grief from his brothers. They want to know why he hasn’t intercepted a pass at corner.

“My brothers are making fun of me right now because I have no interceptions. It’ll come at some point, just got to keep working,” said Jones, who is the sixth-rated corner through Week 14 by ProFootballFocus.com.

To be recognized, Jones said, without having a sexy interception statistic, was surprising. He still has two regular-season games to make a pick, including against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at noon Sunday.

“It’s nice because in my situation, with no interceptions you don’t really think you can get any recognition at that point,” he said. “Of course I want one.”

Jones said he has appreciated the respect he’s received from his coaches and teammates when they’ve watched the film during the season, which has highlighted his ability to shut down the opponent’s top receiver.

“The players have been recognizing what I’ve been doing at the corner position. It gives me a good feeling knowing that the guys are looking out for me,” Jones said. “As a player, you never want to force anything. You’ve got to play to your best abilities and things will happen and come your way.”

First-year secondary coach Kris Richard has been integral to Jones’ quick transition from safety beginning last spring. Jones bought in to Richard’s techniques and it paid off. And now he feels at home on the football field.

“I listen to everything he says, I hang on every word he says so he appreciates that. A lot of my success is because of him,” he said. “It’s really fun to be at a position that just feels like home. Ever since OTAs I’ve felt comfortable at the cornerback position and what Coach Richard has been coaching. His technique has kind of fit my style and my ability so it feels good just to have a home, and to play this well, it’s one of the best feelings in the league.”

This story was originally published December 19, 2018 at 3:40 PM.