JT Keith
A Full-Circle Moment
Landry Jones has broken every major passing record at Artesia High School and accomplished something no other Bulldog quarterback ever has — becoming the highest-rated quarterback recruit in New Mexico history, starring at the University of Oklahoma, and playing in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
On Saturday night, Jones’ football journey came full circle with his induction into the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame, securing his place in the state’s athletic history.
“It is a really cool honor for me and my family,” Jones said. “To come back to New Mexico and be from here and get all of my family members back in town, it feels like a huge family reunion. To be honored and be back here, be inducted and be recognized is a really cool thing.”
Jones said the Hall of Fame was never something he imagined when he first started playing football in Artesia. He simply loved the game and was fortunate to be surrounded by good people and good situations throughout his career.
During his induction speech, Jones introduced several former high school teammates — Taylor Morgan, Kalin Hudson and Barrett Robinson — acknowledging the players who helped shape his early years.
‘Artesia Is a Unique Place’
“Artesia is a unique place,” Jones said. “I got lucky where I was from, who raised me. Getting to be from a place that lives, breathes, and dies football was a really, really cool opportunity for me.”
Jones said his favorite memory remains winning the state championship. He poured countless hours into the sport, and reaching the title game validated the work he put in.
Early Years and the Sophomore Season
Jones did not start at quarterback as a sophomore. Instead, he played wide receiver and backed up then‑quarterback Denny Burnett.
He recalled that season ending with a playoff loss to Silver City, a defeat that kept the Bulldogs from reaching the state championship game.
Former Artesia quarterback Landry Jones, with his son, Zeke Jones, 10 years old, at the New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame.
The Bulldog Bowl Experience
Jones said he was “super fortunate” to grow up in a town that loves football as deeply as Artesia. Walking down the Winner’s Ramp and participating in the Dog Pile — two of the program’s signature traditions — remain among his favorite memories.
Cooper Henderson’s Influence
Jones credited former Bulldog head coach Cooper Henderson with teaching him one of the most important lessons of his career: enjoy the game.
“Having fun was a mandatory thing for us,” Jones said. “Sometimes practices were hard and hot, and whatever was going on — but it always brought me back to the fact that we are playing a game. And finding ways to enjoy it.”
Choosing Oklahoma
Jones said he chose Oklahoma because it was the best program to recruit him out of high school. He had family in the area and wanted to play somewhere he could win.
He also offered advice for today’s athletes navigating the modern college landscape.
“Things are different today with NIL,” Jones said. “Where they are paying these guys so much money, go make as much money as you can, but go find a place that you enjoy and like.”
Faith, Family, and Football
Jones closed his speech by thanking sports — and football specifically — for shaping his life. He said his decision to attend Oklahoma led him to meet his wife, Whitney Jones, and ultimately build the family he has today.
“Sports led me to put my faith in God,” Jones said. “It taught me a lot about who He is, a lot of experiences, and a lot about Christianity. It shaped my faith and taught me a ton about life lessons and how to persevere through difficult moments. How to work together as a team, how to enjoy success, how to endure failure, and how to handle success as well. I feel extremely blessed and honored to be here tonight.”