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Jackie Marchant

Written by Jackie Marchant

Modified & Updated: 28 Feb 2025

25-facts-about-tony-jones
Source: Couriermail.com.au

Who is Tony Jones? Tony Jones is a man of many talents, seamlessly blending careers in theology, sports journalism, and entertainment. Known for his leadership in the Christian emerging church movement, he has authored influential books like "The New Christians" and "A Better Atonement." Beyond theology, Jones made waves as a tailback at the University of Colorado, earning accolades for his impressive stats. His journalism career took off at the Nine Network, where he became a familiar face in sports broadcasting. From boundary riding during AFL coverage to hosting The Sunday Footy Show, Jones has left an indelible mark on multiple fields.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tony Jones is a multifaceted individual, excelling in theology, sports, and entertainment. His diverse career and personal life have made him a notable figure in various fields.
  • From theology to sports journalism and entertainment, Tony Jones has made significant contributions. His legacy in the emerging church movement and sports journalism has left a lasting impact.
Table of Contents

Tony Jones: A Multifaceted Individual

Tony Jones is a name that resonates in various fields, from theology to sports journalism and entertainment. His diverse career and personal life have made him a notable figure. Let's dive into 25 fascinating facts about Tony Jones.

Theologian and Author

Tony Jones has made significant contributions to theology and the emerging church movement.

  1. Theologian and Author: Jones is a leader in the Christian emerging church movement, a theologian, and an author. He has penned several books, including "The New Christians," "A Better Atonement," and "The Church Is Flat," which delve into the emerging church movement.

  2. Personal Life: Growing up near Edina, Minnesota, Jones graduated from Edina High School in 1990. He later attended Dartmouth College and pursued a doctorate at Princeton University. After divorcing his first wife, Julie McMahon, in 2009, he married Courtney Perry in a religious ceremony in 2011, which was not legally recognized at the time.

  3. Career in Theology: While attending Fuller Theological Seminary, Jones returned to his childhood church, Colonial Church in Edina, where he worked as a youth pastor for seven years. He was later invited to speak at Synagogue 3000 in 2006, a Jewish organization similar to the emerging church movement.

  4. Emergent Village: Jones was a key figure in the emerging-church organization Emergent Village until his leadership position was eliminated on October 31, 2008. He continued his involvement in the movement and became the theologian-in-residence at Solomon's Porch in South Minneapolis by April 2012.

  5. Adjunct Professor: During his tenure at Solomon's Porch, Jones also worked as an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. He contributed to various publications, including Christianity Today magazine in 2006.

  6. Publications: Jones is the author of several non-fiction books. His book "The New Christians" was published in 2008 and received positive reviews. His 2012 book "A Better Atonement" was praised by Peter Laarman of Religion Dispatches for its thought-provoking content.

  7. Mobile App Controversy: In 2012, Jones published the mobile app "Ordain Thyself," which allowed users to virtually ordain themselves in various religions, including Catholicism, Hasidic Judaism, Hinduism, and Klingon religions. The app was controversial but retailed for $0.99.

Sports Career

Tony Jones is also known for his impressive sports career, particularly in football.

  1. Sports Career: Jones made a name for himself as a tailback at the University of Colorado. He rushed 343 times for 2,608 yards and 61 touchdowns during his high school career at Don Bosco Prep in New Jersey.

  2. College Football Achievements: At the University of Colorado, Jones became the ninth player in school history to record 1,000 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving. He finished with 1,269 yards rushing and 558 receiving yards, averaging 5.1 yards per rush.

  3. High School Achievements: As a senior at Don Bosco Prep, Jones earned third-team All-America honors from EA Sports. He started all four years under coach Gary Toal and helped the team win four Non-Public Group 4 state championships and a consensus national championship in 2009.

Sports Journalism

Jones transitioned from sports to journalism, making significant strides in the field.

  1. Sports Journalism: Jones began his career in radio newsrooms in country Victoria and Melbourne's 3AW before joining the Nine Network in May 1986.

  2. Nine Network Career: He started presenting weekend sports bulletins in 1988 and moved to weeknight sports presenting in 1990. Jones has been a key figure in the Nine Network, hosting The Sunday Footy Show between 2006 and 2008 and returning as host in 2017.

  3. AFL Coverage: Jones was a boundary rider during Nine's AFL coverage between 2002 and 2006. He also co-hosted Prime Time Sport Interactive with Michael Christian on Radio Sport National from March 2010.

  4. Commonwealth Games Coverage: In 2006, Jones was part of the network's Melbourne Commonwealth Games coverage. He covered the Winter Olympics in Vancouver for the Nine Network in February 2010.

  5. Controversial Moments: Jones has been involved in several controversies during his career. In 2013, he asked Rebecca Judd if she'd like to "come 'round for a barbie" on live news, which went viral. In 2016, he tried to kiss Rebecca Judd's cheek on live TV to send her off for maternity leave, but she rejected his advance, leading to another viral moment.

  6. Australian Open Coverage: In 2018, Jones was announced to be part of the national Wide World of Sports team as a host at the Australian Open, featuring alongside colleagues James Bracey and Rebecca Maddern from 2019.

  7. Today Show Hosting: In January 2019, the Nine Network announced that Jones would present sport on Today, replacing Tim Gilbert. However, he resigned in November due to having too many commitments.

  8. Controversy at Australian Open: In January 2025, while presenting the sports news bulletin at the Australian Open, Jones made a series of insulting and offensive remarks towards vocal Serbian fans behind him prior to tennis player Novak Djokovic’s round three match against Tomas Machac. Djokovic refused to participate in a post-match interview with the broadcasting network as the Nine Network nor Jones had offered a formal apology. Jones later apologized for his actions.

Entertainment Career

Jones has also dabbled in entertainment, appearing in various TV shows.

  1. Entertainment Career: Jones has appeared in several TV shows, including Rake (2010), Yes We Canberra! (2010), and Landline (1991).

Personal Life and Legacy

Tony Jones' personal life and legacy are as diverse as his career.

  1. Family Life: Jones is married to Sarah Ferguson, with whom he has three children. He has been in the public eye for his family life as well as his professional achievements.

  2. Height and Weight: Jones stands at 6 feet tall (1.83 meters) and has been known to maintain a healthy lifestyle, particularly during his sports career.

  3. Education: Jones studied at a radio school before beginning his career in radio newsrooms. He later attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played football and ran track.

  4. College Football Achievements: At the University of Texas, Jones was a 3x letterman, a 2x All-Conference Wide Receiver, and a team captain. He set several school records, including career receiver yards, most receiving yards in a game by a sophomore, and most receiving yards in a bowl game.

  5. Track and Field Achievements: Jones was an All-American in track and field. At the 1987 Southwest Conference championships, he ran the 200 m in 20.28 seconds, a record that stood at the University of Texas for 32 years until it was broken in 2019 by Micaiah Harris.

  6. Legacy: Tony Jones has left a lasting legacy in both theology and sports journalism. His contributions to the emerging church movement and his work in sports journalism have made him a notable figure in his respective fields.

Tony Jones: A Multifaceted Life

Tony Jones has left a significant mark in theology, sports journalism, and entertainment. From his leadership in the Christian emerging church movement to his achievements as a college football player at the University of Colorado, Jones has shown versatility and dedication. His work with Emergent Village and as an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary highlights his commitment to theological discourse. Meanwhile, his sports journalism career with the Nine Network and coverage of major events like the Australian Open and Commonwealth Games showcases his media prowess. Despite controversies, Jones remains a notable figure in both fields. His personal life, including his marriage to Courtney Perry and his family, adds another layer to his complex persona. Tony Jones's diverse career and personal experiences make him a fascinating individual whose contributions continue to resonate.

Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tony Jones?
Tony Jones is a figure whose contributions or achievements have sparked interest, leading to a compilation of intriguing facts about him. Whether in sports, media, or another field, his actions or career milestones have caught the public's eye.
How did Tony Jones become famous?
His rise to fame could be attributed to standout performances, significant achievements, or a unique aspect of his career or life story that resonated with people. Specific details about his journey to recognition would depend on his field of expertise or the impact of his work.
What are some unknown facts about Tony Jones?
Among the lesser-known facts about him might be surprising hobbies, early career struggles, or personal anecdotes that shed light on his character. These tidbits offer a deeper understanding of who he is beyond the public persona.
Has Tony Jones received any awards or honors?
If he has been recognized with awards or honors, it highlights his excellence and contributions in his field. Such accolades underscore the respect and admiration he has earned from peers and institutions.
What challenges has Tony Jones faced in his career?
Like many successful individuals, he likely encountered obstacles along his path. Learning about these challenges can inspire others by showing the resilience and determination needed to overcome adversity.
How can I learn more about Tony Jones's work or contributions?
Delving into his work or contributions can be done through various sources such as publications, interviews, documentaries, or online platforms dedicated to his field. These resources can provide comprehensive insights into his impact and legacy.
What makes Tony Jones's story inspiring?
His story might inspire due to overcoming significant hurdles, making groundbreaking achievements, or profoundly impacting his field or community. The essence of his journey often lies in the perseverance, innovation, or compassion he has demonstrated.

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