Matt Jones joins ESPN Arkansas

Matt Jones Press Release

Matt Jones joins ESPN Arkansas
October 12, 2022

Matt Jones, former star quarterback at the University of Arkansas, is joining the on-air team at ESPN Arkansas as co-host of Halftime with Phil Elson.

Matt Jones grew up in Van Buren and had a playing career at Arkansas spanning the 2001 to 2004 football seasons. He was the full-time starter at quarterback from 2002 to 2004. Jones was drafted in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 21 st overall pick. In addition to football, Jones also played two seasons with the Razorback Basketball team, 2001-02 and 2003-04, appearing in 28 games in his career.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be back on the air as part of the talented team of people at ESPN Arkansas,” Matt Jones said. “Being able to talk about the Razorbacks with Phil Elson every day on the show will be fun and I appreciate Tommy, and everyone involved for making this a reality.”

During his freshman season in 2001, Jones led the Razorbacks to a thrilling 7 overtime win against Ole Miss. In 2002 Matt led Arkansas to a share of the SEC Western Division Championship with one of the most iconic finishes to any game in Razorback history. Jones’ pass to Decori Birmingham in the closing seconds of the season finale against LSU has become known by most Arkansans as “The Miracle on Markham.” In 2003, Jones led Arkansas to another 7-overtime victory, this time defeating Kentucky en route to consecutive 9-win seasons.

“The story of Razorback Football over the past 25 seasons cannot be told without a few chapters being written about Matt Jones” Tommy Craft, General Manager ESPN Arkansas said. “Razorbacks fans everywhere have vivid memories of Matt during his playing days, and we are excited to have him on our team to talk with the people of Arkansas every day. Matt will be able to give all of us his unique insights as a former football and basketball player at Arkansas and I can’t wait to hear him with Phil on Halftime.”

Matt Jones will begin co-hosting Halftime on Monday, October 17th at 11am. Jones will also be appearing on other programs and podcasts produced by ESPN Arkansas.

Halftime can be heard on the four ESPN Arkansas stations across Arkansas every weekday from 11am- 2pm. ESPN 99.5 in Northwest Arkansas, ESPN 95.3 in Fort Smith, ESPN 96.3 in Hot Springs/Southwest Arkansas and ESPN 104.3 in Harrison and Mountain Home as well as the company’s digital hub www.hitthatline.com.

ESPN Arkansas is owned and operated by Pearson Broadcasting.