On This Date In Bears History-Mr. Jones Goes To Chicago

Dec 4, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Thomas Jones (20) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Chiefs beat the Bears 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

On this date in Bears history in 2004, The Chicago Bears signed free agent Thomas Jones to become their featured running back for Lovie Smith. Jones did not have a great start to his career when he struggled with the Arizona Cardinals for three uneventful seasons.  He showed enough promise in his one season with the Tampa Bay Bucs that the Bears signed Jones to be their starting running back.

Jones career finally took off when he arrived in the Chicago backfield.  Jones gained 948 yards in his first season with the Bears and then in 2005 with Kyle Orten at quarterback for most of the season Jones was the Bears offense breaking out for 1,335 yards and 9 touchdowns.  The Bears drafted Cedric Benson in 2005 but his holdout, attitude and injuries never let him take over for Jones.

In 2006 Jones helped lead the Bears offense (with a lot more help from the defense) to the Super Bowl. Jones best game of his career possibly was against the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game when Jones had 19 carries and 123 yards and a touchdown.  Jones and the Bears were unsuccessful in their Super Bowl attempt against the Colts and have not been back since.

Jones tenure with Chicago came to an end because of the presence of Cedric Benson.  He was traded to the Jets in 2007  where he had his best seasons and his only Pro Bowl appearance of his career.

Jones may not be an all-time Bears great but he had a very good short streak that helped lead the Bears to the Super Bowl.

What is your best Jones moment in a Bears jersey?