History of Zay Jones in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 1, 2024

Isaiah "Zay" Jones is an American football wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals. During his college career at East Carolina, he set NCAA Division I records for both career receptions (399) and single-season receptions (158).

March 30, 1995: Zay Jones is Born

On March 30, 1995, Isaiah Avery "Zay" Jones was born. He would go on to become an American professional football player.

2013: Zay Jones Begins College Football Career at East Carolina

Zay Jones started his college football career at East Carolina as a true freshman, playing in 13 games and starting eight.

2016: Zay Jones Sets NCAA Records

During his senior year, Zay Jones set a school record for receptions in a game with 22, then broke the school record for receptions in a season. He became the NCAA Division I football all-time single-season leader in receptions with 158, breaking the previous record of 155 set by Freddie Barnes in 2009. Jones also became the NCAA Division I football career leader in receptions with 399, breaking the previous record of 387 held by Justin Hardy. He was also named as one of three finalists for the 2016 Biletnikoff Award.

September 10, 2017: Zay Jones Makes NFL Debut

Zay Jones made his NFL debut, recording one reception for 21 yards in a win against the New York Jets.

September 17, 2017: Zay Jones Narrowly Misses Game-Winning Catch

Zay Jones nearly made a game-winning catch on a pass from quarterback Tyrod Taylor late in a close loss to the Carolina Panthers.

2017: Zay Jones is Drafted by the Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills selected Zay Jones in the second round with the 37th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. On May 18, 2017, Jones signed a four-year, $6.77 million contract with the Bills.

2018: Zay Jones Reveals Injury and Faces Setbacks

After his rookie season, Zay Jones revealed he played with a torn labrum in his shoulder, requiring offseason surgery. He missed much of OTA's due to another injury and started training camp on the non-football injury list.

2018: Zay Jones Scores First Touchdown Since 2018

Zay Jones caught his first touchdown since 2018 during the Raiders' first home game in Allegiant Stadium after relocating to Las Vegas.

2018: Zay Jones Leads Buffalo in Receiving

Zay Jones finished the 2018 season as Buffalo's leading receiver with 56 receptions for 652 yards and seven touchdowns.

October 7, 2019: Zay Jones is Traded to the Oakland Raiders

The Buffalo Bills traded Zay Jones to the Oakland Raiders for a 2021 fifth-round pick on October 7, 2019.

October 5, 2020: Zay Jones Fined for COVID-19 Protocol Violation

The NFL fined Zay Jones US$15,000 for attending a maskless charity event hosted by teammate Darren Waller on October 5, 2020. The event violated the NFL's COVID-19 protocols for the 2020 season.