Former NFL quarterback John “J.J.” Jones has been found dead in a house fire in University Place, WA.

Jones, who backed up Joe Namath for the Jets from 1975 -1976, was found along with a, as of yet identified, woman in the home Jones rented a basement apartment in.

Fire officials say the two deaths are being treated as possible homicides. The woman’s 23-year-old nephew, a former resident of the home, is in police custody for questioning. Authorities are currently trying to determine where he was during the time of the fire.

Last week because of “trouble”, arson investigators were called to the home where the nephew had to be subdued by deputies using a beanbag gun and a taser to complete the arrest. Apparently, the nephew’s Pitt bull threatened the neighborhood.

Court records indicate that felony harassment charges were filed against the nephew, when in April 2008 he allegedly threatened to kill his own mother. That case was set to go to trial in August.

John “J.J.” Jones
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 180 lbs
Age: 57
Years With Jets: 1975
College: Fisk
PRO: Extremely promising young quarterback prospect according to Jet coaches … spent training camp with the Jets before suffering a back injury late in the pre-season … wound up on the injured reserve list for recuperation and was not active at all during the season … already has a strong knowledge of pro defenses and was able to help the coaching staff with its film studies during the season … extremely intelligent quarterback … has a strong arm … started the pre-season opener against Denver and threw two TOPs to David Knight … threw for four TOPs in his 3 pre-season games … signed as a free agent on July 10,1974 after a tryout day held by the Jets.

PERSONAL: Married Phyliss Elliott (10-7-72) … daughter, Kyna Meshell (4-7-73) … has degree in political science and economics … nicknamed “J.J.” …

Hometown: Memphis, Tenn.

From 1975 Jets yearbook.