‘This means everything’: Seahawks’ Ernest Jones revels in Rams defeat

SEATTLE — Sometimes there’s nothing sweeter than revenge.

Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Cam Akers got some retribution when the Seahawks defeated the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 in the NFC championship game.

Jones, Kupp and Akers were once teammates on the Rams. They helped the Rams win Super Bowl 56. All three went separate paths en route to their reunion in Seattle.

The Rams traded Jones to the Tennessee Titans prior to the 2024 season. He was then subsequently traded to Seattle in Oct. 2024.

Week 1: Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa (18) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. The play was originally ruled an incomplete pass, but the call was overturned. Despite TeSlaa’s effort, the Packers won the game 27-13.

Week 1: The New England Patriots’ Robert Spillane (14) and Christian Elliss (53) tackle Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Raiders won the game, 20-13.

Week 1: New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) fumbles the ball on a tackle by Washington Commanders safety Will Harris (3) during the first quarter at Northwest Stadium. It was a rough Giants debut for Wilson (17 of 37 passing for 168 yards) as the Commanders won the game, 21-6.

Week 1: Fireworks go off before the NFL Kickoff Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles opened the season with a 24-20 victory over their longtime NFC East rivals.

USA TODAY Sports asked Jones about beating his former team to earn a trip to Super Bowl 60.

“Was tough for me to be to be moving. My son was just born. We just bought a house in LA. To completely have our life uprooted (and) to win this game. Trust me, I won’t say it, but this means everything,” Jones said, with a smile.

“I’m over the moon right now.”

Jones registered a team-high eight tackles in the conference title game. The middle linebacker led the team in tackles (126) and interceptions (5) during the regular season. He’s been one of the Seahawks’ best defensive players since he arrived in Seattle.

Jones’ Super Bowl experience, along with Kupp’s and Akers’, should benefit the Seahawks as they head to Santa Clara and attempt to win football’s ultimate game.

“It’s everything we spoke about. We spoke this like into existence in OTAs. It’s everything. I can’t put it into words how I feel right now,” Jones said. “I’ve been here. I’ve been going to the Super Bowl before. To see these guys do it, and to see what real work looks like, and see that. I mean, it’s everything for me.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why Seahawks LB Ernest Jones is ‘over the moon’ after beating Rams

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