Zay is three years older than Vi. (Vi’s full name is Levi, just as Zay’s full name is Isaiah. Both go by nicknames professionally although Zay said what they use in conversation “depends on our mood.”) Zay has established himself since 2017 as a notable receiver; Vi, came into the league in 2022 as an undrafted rookie with Seattle and spent most of this season on the Buccaneers’ practice squad.
“I can’t wait to go against him in practice, suit up together, take the field together,” Vi said.
As soon as the news happened, the Jones family sprang into action. Their father, former NFL linebacker Robert Jones, let them know the family was booking plane tickets to come to the 49ers game. Their sisters couldn’t believe the turn of events.
Whether Vi actually plays Sunday is an unknown, although it wouldn’t be a surprise for him to sit and his arrival to be more of a nod toward building the 2025 roster. Zay has played steady snaps this season although he only has four receptions for 38 yards.
But again, those are details that don’t mean as much as the fact they get to be teammates.
“The NFL is such a revolving door and business,” Zay said. “The hard reality is that sometimes there are changes and sudden changes and difficult changes. I never would’ve thought. This isn’t something that came through my mind. When it happened, it was almost like you can’t really believe it.
“It turned a sadness, being let go from a team, and how it turned into something phenomenal and awesome that our family can treasure and remember.”
Can it be long-term? Zay smiled at the prospect, saying it would be “amazing” to remain with a team on the rise like the Cardinals.
“I would be grateful if it were to work out if both of us could be here to help this football team win games,” Zay said.
Vi smiled at the possibility of trying to recruit his brother to stay.
“He for sure is coming back,” he said. “We’ve got to make this work. The Cardinals need them Jones Boys.”
