by Kevin Hickey
Indianapolis Colts director of sports performance Rusty Jones retired from the NFL, the team announced Tuesday.
Jones spent 34 years in the NFL and the last six seasons with the Colts after being hired in 2018.
“Rusty is one of the most well-respected conditioning and nutrition experts in our industry. His energy and passion for sports nutrition is unmatched and Rusty has helped numerous athletes in his career reach their full potential with his knowledge and guidance,” said general manager Chris Ballard in a statement. “Moreso, he is one of the most authentic people I have come across in my career and the Colts were fortunate to have Rusty for the last six years. I’m excited for him to start the next chapter of his life with his wife, Sharon, and son, Tyler.”
Jones entered the league in 1985 with the Buffalo Bills serving as their strength and conditioning coordinator for 19 years. He then was promoted to director of physical development and assistant to the head coach in 2004.
Jones was hired by the Chicago Bears in 2005, serving as the strength and conditioning coordinator for three seasons. He then was promoted to the role of director of physical development in 2008, a role he held until announcing his initial retirement following the 2012 season.
Jones was named the 2006 National Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year.
He turned to consulting in 2014, doing so for four seasons before joining the Colts’ staff in 2018.
Originally posted on coltswire.com