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NFL will present Deacon Jones Award to sack leader starting in 2013

Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones, who died on Thursday, is credited with coining the term "sack." (Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

(Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The NFL will honor late Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones, who died at 74 on Tuesday, by presenting the Deacon Jones Award to the league leader in sacks each season, beginning in 2013, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

Jones compiled an unofficial total of 173.5 sacks over his 14 year career (1961-74). He was credited with coining the term "sack," which became an official stat in 1982.

The new award in his name was announced at his memorial service in Los Angeles on Saturday.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Roger Goodell called Jones "an icon among icons."