NEW BRITAIN — Super Bowl winning, former New England Patriot, and current New Britain High School football head coach, Tebucky Jones, announced his retirement Thursday.
Jones, 45, came back to his alma mater after playing nine successful years in the NFL playing for the Patriots, the Miami Dolphins, and New Orleans Saints.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the kids of this city and be a part of the New Britain High School family,” said Jones. “New Britain is home and will always be special to me.”
Jones coached the Golden Hurricanes to CIAC Class LL Tournament appearances in 2014 and in 2018, beating Berlin in the regular season finale to clinch a spot in the postseason. He coached NBHS for nine years.
“Tebucky is a legend and a hometown hero who will always hold a special place in the history of New Britain Football,” said Len Corto, Director of Athletics. “We thank him for giving back to the city and program he came from by working with our kids and showing them what the pride and tradition of the New Britain Football family is all about.”
Following a strong senior season at Syracuse University, the Patriots drafted Jones in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft with the 22nd overall pick. He was a key member of New England’s Super Bowl XXXVI Championship team in 2001 that beat the defending Champions, the St.Louis Rams.
Jones started at strong safety for the Patriots as they won their first title.
“Tebucky Jones is an example to all of our New Britain students that their hard work and talents can take them to amazing places,” said Nancy Sarra, Superintendent of Schools. “He also showed our students the importance of giving back to their community by returning home after achieving great success. He has dedicated his time and talent to our students and in so doing improved the outcomes for our students and our city.”
In addition to coaching, Jones established the Tebucky Jones Youth Foundation.
The organization works with at-risk youth in Connecticut. Jones also holds the annual “Tebucky Jones Youth Football Camp,” which is a free football and cheerleading camp for hundreds of New Britain kids every summer at Chesley Park.
