In his first start for the San Francisco 49ers, Former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones did more than step into Brock Purdy’s shoes—he seized the spotlight.

For Mac Jones, Sunday night wasn’t just another start—it was redemption. After showing early promise with the New England Patriots, Jones’ career hit turbulence as coaching changes and inconsistency stalled his progress. A short stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars came and went, leaving questions about his long-term future.

But Mac Jones has been in this place before. He's not a quitter. He's a team guy.

When you look back at this time in Tuscaloosa, he was patient. He was loyal. He just wanted, and needed, a chance to make a name for himself. And he did just that. After Tua Tagovailoa suffered a hip injury in 2019, Jones stepped in. He started the last 4 games for the Crimson Tide that season. In 2020, Jones led the Crimson Tide to an undefeated 13-0 season, winning both an SEC and National title while throwing for 4,500 yards with 41 touchdowns and four interceptions.

Jones' loyalty and patience paid off. He went on to the 15th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. When Jones arrived in New England, he showed everyone why he was a first round draft pick. He not only beat out Cam Newton for the starting job, but Jones became the Patriots' first rookie quarterback to start in a season opener game since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. Jones also set the NFL completion percentage record for a rookie with 74.4%. By the end of his first season in the NFL, Jones had recorded 3,801 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a 67.6 completion percentage. The highest of all rookie QBs that season.

Hopes were high for Jones going into season two after how well he did his rookie season. But then, Patriots' offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left New England. And it went downhill for Mac after that. In his second season, Jones struggled with the new offensive coordinator changes, an ankle sprain, and finished the season with 2,997 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The opposite direction he was trending in his first season. 

In 2023, yet again, another change in offensive coordinators occurred. Bill O'Brien took over play calling from Matt Patricia. Jones and the Patriots struggled. BIG time. Jones finished the year with 2,120 passing yards for 10 TDs and 12 interceptions.

At this point, Jones was clearly frustrated. But, he remained committed.  He didn't give up. And honestly, his struggles in 2022 and 2023 weren't his fault. The lack of leadership in the OC position was. 

When Jones was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024, there was hope that maybe, just maybe, he'd get a shot. But, that only occurred on a needed basis. Especially when Trevor Lawrence got injured. Mac Jones showed promise though. In week 13, Jones came in for an injured Lawrence in the 2nd quarter and finished the game with 235 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.

This was the Jones people were used to seeing in Alabama. A kid that was always ready to step up and lead when his number was called. He just needed a chance. 

This season might just be that. After being traded to the San Francisco 49ers in March of 2025, for a 2 year/$7 million deal, hopes were high that maybe Jones could find himself in the QB1 role at times. 

After San Francisco’s starting quarterback Brock Purdy went down with an injury, Mac Jones was handed the reins against the New Orleans Saints. For Jones, this wasn’t just another game—it was a defining moment. More than a chance to step in, it was an opportunity to revive his career, prove his resilience, and show that he still has what it takes to lead an NFL team.

He did just that. Jones led the 49ers to a gritty 26–21 win over the New Orleans Saints, reminding everyone of the talent that once made him a first-round pick. He finished the game with 279 passing yards and 3 touchdowns.

From his days at Alabama, where he waited his turn with patience and then led the Crimson Tide to a national championship, Mac Jones has proven he’s loyal, committed, and the kind of teammate who puts the team above himself. His NFL journey hasn’t been easy—ups and downs in New England, a short stop in Jacksonville, and now a fresh start in San Francisco—but one thing has never changed: his dedication to the game. All he’s ever needed is a true chance, a team that trusts him, and an offensive coordinator who believes in what he can do. If the 49ers give him that, Jones has the heart, talent, and leadership to make this opportunity count.