The last starting quarterback to win a national title for the Ohio State Buckeyes is returning to football.
Cardale Jones, who started all four postseason games for the Buckeyes during their 2014 championship run, is returning to the gridiron as part of the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League.
“Cardale is a winner,” said Pirates co-owner, president and general manager Jawad Yatim said. “He has the ability to create and improvise, obviously has a live arm and has competed at the highest levels of football. We’re excited to insert his skill set and abilities within our organization. We want a locker room full of enthusiasm this year and my conversations with Cardale have only reflected that sentiment. We’re really glad to have him.”
The Buffalo Bills drafted Jones in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft after Jones chose to return to school following the 2014 championship season.
Jones signed with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League in 2022 before being released.
Jones appeared in 23 games at Ohio State, completing 167 of his 270 passes for 2,323 yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He finished his career 11-0 as a starting quarterback in Columbus.
Jones was the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 Big Ten championship game against the Wisconsin Badgers.
