Eagles CB Jonathan Jones Flies Himself to Philadelphia to Sign Contract

Veteran defensive back, who earned his pilot's license in 2023, made the trek from Charlotte, N.C. to Philadelphia.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:57am

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Jonathan Jones, a 32-year-old NFL defensive back, flew himself from Charlotte, North Carolina to Philadelphia in a single-engine turboprop aircraft to sign his contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jones, who has played 11 seasons in the NFL and won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, earned his pilot's license in 2023 and has made a hobby of general aviation. He plans to use his flying skills to expose more children to aviation through his foundation.

Why it matters

Jones' ability to fly himself to Philadelphia for his contract signing is an unusual and creative way for an NFL player to travel, highlighting his passion for aviation and his desire to share that passion with others. As the Eagles look to bolster their secondary, Jones' experience and versatility will be valuable assets, and his unique mode of transportation adds an interesting personal touch to his arrival in Philadelphia.

The details

Jones, who spent the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, is expected to add veteran leadership to the Eagles' secondary which includes All-Pro cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, as well as top newcomer Riq Woolen. His background with new secondary coach Mike Pellegrino is also seen as an advantage. Jones earned his pilot's license in 2023 after taking a "discovery flight" and falling in love with general aviation. He plans to use his flying skills to expose more children to aviation through his foundation, Jonathan Jones Next Step.

  • On Wednesday morning, Jones flew himself from Charlotte, North Carolina to Philadelphia to sign his contract with the Eagles.
  • Jones earned his pilot's license in 2023.

The players

Jonathan Jones

A 32-year-old NFL defensive back who has played 11 seasons in the league, winning two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He earned his pilot's license in 2023 and has made a hobby of general aviation.

Quinyon Mitchell

An All-Pro cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cooper DeJean

An All-Pro cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Riq Woolen

A top newcomer to the Philadelphia Eagles' secondary.

Mike Pellegrino

The new secondary coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

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What they’re saying

“Found a little passion for aviation. It's a little hobby of mine that I enjoy doing.”

— Jonathan Jones

“Took a discovery flight and fell in love with it.”

— Jonathan Jones

“Kind of nice to have an approach over the Delaware River. It was a nice touch to the morning.”

— Jonathan Jones

“Any time I can fly, I love it.”

— Jonathan Jones

What’s next

Jones' foundation, Jonathan Jones Next Step, plans to use his flying skills to expose more children to aviation.

The takeaway

Jonathan Jones' unique mode of transportation to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles highlights his passion for aviation and his desire to share that passion with others, especially children, through his foundation. This creative approach adds a personal touch to his arrival in Philadelphia as he looks to provide veteran leadership and experience to the Eagles' secondary.