Former Los Angeles Rams defensive end and Pro Football Hall of Famer David “Deacon” Jones passed away at the age of 74 on Monday night from natural causes.

Jones, a 14-year NFL veteran, was a member of the legendary Fearsome Foursome. Comprised of Jones, Lamar Lundy, Merlin Olsen, and Rosey Grier, the famous quartet made the Rams one of the most feared defenses of the 1960s.

While the group became a hit around the NFL, Jones developed into a force. Jones created the “head slap,” a move used to give him an advantage over a blocker.

“To give myself an initial headstart on the pass rush, in other words a extra step. Because anytime you go upside a man’s head … or a woman; they may have a tendency to blink they eyes or close they eyes. And that’s all I needed.”

In addition, Jones created the term “sack,” which eventually would be a become a part of NFL lore and eventually, an NFL statistic in 1982.

His explanation of a sack remains an endearing and lasting reflection on the importance of the term to football:

“Sacking the quarterback is like when you devastate a city, or you cream a multitude of people. You take all the offensive linemen and put them in a burlap bag, and then you take a baseball bat and beat on the bag. You’re sacking them, you’re bagging them. And that’s what you’re doing with a quarterback.”

Couldn’t have explained it better myself, Deacon.

Rest in peace.

Via.