Introduction
Marcus Jones has emerged as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in New England Patriots’ roster. Known for his speed, playmaking ability, and adaptability, Jones has made his presence felt not just on defense, but also on special teams and even occasionally on offense. This article explores his key stats — jersey number, position, touchdowns — and delves into one of the most talked-about metrics for speed in football: his 40-yard dash time.
Patriots Number & Position
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Jersey Number: 25
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Primary Position: Cornerback (CB)
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Additional Roles: Punt returner / special teams returner — Jones contributes significantly on special teams given his speed and return skills.
Touchdowns & Versatility
One of the most remarkable aspects of Marcus Jones is his ability to score touchdowns in multiple phases of the game. In his rookie season (2022), he became one of the few players in NFL history to record touchdowns in offense, defense and special teams all in the same season.
Notable touchdown highlights:
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Offense: 48-yard receiving touchdown on his first NFL offensive snap
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Defense: 69-yard interception return (pick-six) for a touchdown.
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Special Teams: 84-yard punt return for a touchdown.
As of the 2025 season, his career stat line includes a total of 5 touchdowns spanning defense, special teams, and offense.
This rare versatility — being a threat in multiple phases — makes him a unique weapon for the Patriots and a constant challenge for opposing teams.
40-Yard Dash Time (Speed Metric)
Speed has always been one of Marcus Jones’ biggest strengths, and several scouting reports and draft profiles emphasise that. According to his pre-draft profile:
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His 40-yard dash time is listed as 4.38 seconds.
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This speed — particularly for a cornerback/return specialist — ranks him among the more explosive athletes entering the league.
Worth noting: some older recruiting data from high school lists a 40-yard dash time of 4.72 seconds.
Differences in timing conditions, timing method (hand-timed vs. electronic), and athletic development over time may account for the variation.
Regardless of the exact clocking, what’s undisputed is that Jones possesses elite straight-line speed — a key asset that fuels his effectiveness as a punt returner, his ability to close quickly in coverage, and his capacity to turn defense or special teams plays into big gains or scores.
Why Marcus Jones Matters
Marcus Jones is not a typical cornerback. His blend of speed, return-game explosiveness, and positional versatility gives the Patriots a rare weapon who can shift game momentum in many ways. A few reasons why he stands out:
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As a returner — his speed lets him turn routine punts or kicks into game-changing returns.
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As a cornerback — his quickness allows him to stay close on receivers, especially in slot or short/intermediate coverage.
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As a multi-phase threat — his proven ability to contribute touchdowns in offense, defense, and special teams makes him a high-value playmaker.
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As a roster asset — his versatility offers the Patriots roster flexibility, letting them employ him in different packages depending on game situation.
Conclusion
Marcus Jones — jersey #25, primarily a cornerback — is far more than a defensive back for the New England Patriots. With at least 5 career touchdowns across offense, defense, and special teams, and a standout 40-yard dash time of ~4.38 s, he brings a rare mix of speed and playmaking versatility. His unique profile makes him a difference-maker and a key asset for the Patriots in multiple dimensions of the game.
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