D. Jones, Columbus Crew, Midfielder #20: Career, Impact & Profile

You spot him right away in the center of the pitch, number 20 for the Columbus Crew. D. Jones brings size, balance, and a calm control to a midfield that lives on precision.

He just seems to get the rhythm of the game, using his experience to guide every possession. Under pressure, he stays cool and often wins those messy second balls—he’s a quiet force in Major League Soccer.

Derrick Jones was born in Bantama, Ghana, then grew up in the United States. He built his career through steady progress and adaptability.

After stints with Houston Dynamo FC and Charlotte FC, he landed with the Columbus Crew in December 2023. He’s added depth and reliability to their midfield rotation.

His journey from youth development to MLS regular basically proves that consistent effort and smart play can shape a career.

Jones played college soccer at Reading United’s youth system before turning pro. He’s learned to read the game as well as anyone in his position.

You can see how his path—from Bethlehem Steel’s first signing to his current spot with Columbus—reflects a pro who values growth, teamwork, and tactical awareness.

Profile of D. Jones: Columbus Crew Midfielder #20

He blends size, control, and patience right in the middle of the field. His game shows years of steady growth across several MLS teams, shaped by experience and adaptability.

Position and Playing Style

Derrick Jones lines up as a central midfielder for the Columbus Crew. At 6’4″, he uses his frame to shield the ball and win duels, especially in tight spaces.

He usually prefers short, safe passes to keep possession, rarely forcing risky plays forward.

He’ll drop deep to help defenders, linking the back line with attacking players. His composure lets him absorb pressure and recycle play when opponents press high.

Jones spent time with Philadelphia Union, Nashville SC, Houston Dynamo FC, and Charlotte FC before joining Columbus in December 2023. His technical base comes from YSC Academy in Pennsylvania, which prepped him for the pro game.

Attribute	Detail
Position	Central Midfielder
Height	6’4″ (1.93 m)
Preferred Foot	Right
Strengths	Ball retention, defensive positioning, composure
Weaknesses	Limited goal output

Squad Role and Responsibilities

In Columbus, Jones slots in as a rotational starter who brings balance to midfield. He covers space behind more attack-minded teammates and breaks up counterattacks.

His defensive awareness makes him a steady option, especially when the Crew faces physical or high-tempo opponents.

Jones has played in more than 100 MLS matches, giving younger teammates some needed steadiness. The club’s announcement called him a “versatile player and true competitor,” which sums up his value in multiple competitions, including the Concacaf Champions Cup.

Depending on the opponent, you’ll see him rotate between defensive and box-to-box roles. His discipline and sense of space help Columbus keep its structure during transitions.

Jersey Number Significance

Wearing number 20, Jones stands for consistency more than flash. That number usually goes to players who do the quiet work in midfield, and he fits that role.

For Jones, #20 connects to his steady career path. From his early days with Bethlehem Steel to his current spot in Columbus, he’s built a reputation for reliability.

Fans see #20 as a symbol of effort and composure—traits that define his game.

You notice he wears it with purpose, showing he values contribution over attention.

Career Journey and Club History

Derrick Jones’s path through American soccer looks like a story of steady growth and adaptability. His moves between clubs show how a young midfielder from Ghana became a reliable Major League Soccer presence by sticking with it and making smart transitions.

Early Years and Homegrown Player Status

Derrick Jones was born in Bantama, Ghana, then moved to the U.S. as a teenager. He joined the Philadelphia Union Academy, and his potential stood out right away.

The Union recognized his talent and signed him as a Homegrown Player, which meant they could bring him in straight from their development system.

Jones attended YSC Academy, a soccer-focused high school connected to the Union. That environment sharpened his technical skills and tactical instincts.

He became the fourth Homegrown signing in Philadelphia Union history on July 27, 2016. That marked the start of his pro career and showed the club’s commitment to developing its own talent.

Philadelphia Union and Bethlehem Steel

Jones got his first pro experience with Bethlehem Steel, the Union’s USL affiliate. According to the Columbus Crew player profile, he became Bethlehem Steel’s first-ever signing on December 3, 2015.

He scored five goals in 26 appearances, showing early that he could control midfield play.

He debuted for Bethlehem on April 3, 2016, against FC Cincinnati and scored his first goal two weeks later against the Richmond Kickers.

With Philadelphia Union, Jones made 26 regular season appearances between 2016 and 2019. He scored once, in a 3–1 U.S. Open Cup win over the Harrisburg City Islanders.

Club	Years	Appearances	Goals
Bethlehem Steel	2016	26	5
Philadelphia Union	2016–2019	26	1

Nashville SC and United Soccer League

In 2019, Jones joined Nashville SC while the club still played in the United Soccer League. He appeared in six matches that season, including two playoff games.

His physical play and defensive awareness made him a steady presence in midfield.

Nashville moved up to Major League Soccer in 2020, and Jones stayed with the team. He played in 18 matches, starting nine, and added three postseason appearances.

Those seasons helped Jones mature both technically and mentally, prepping him for the grind of a long MLS career.

Houston Dynamo FC and MLS Tenure

Jones moved to Houston Dynamo FC in 2021 and played in 20 regular season matches that year. He picked up one assist and made his debut on April 16 in a 2–1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.

Early in 2022, Houston traded him to Charlotte FC, where he played 44 matches across two seasons. He joined the Columbus Crew in December 2023.

During his MLS run, Jones has earned a reputation for reliability in defensive midfield roles. At 190 cm, he wins aerial duels and keeps the ball under pressure.

Club	Years	MLS Appearances	Goals	Assists
Nashville SC	2020	18	0	0
Houston Dynamo FC	2021–2022	20	0	1
Charlotte FC	2022–2023	44	1	0

His journey through these clubs kind of makes you appreciate players who develop through experience, not just hype.

Charlotte FC and Transition to Columbus Crew

You can see how Derrick Jones built consistency at Charlotte FC, then found a new role with Columbus Crew. His path shows how steady play and adaptability boost a midfielder’s value across MLS clubs.

Trade Details and Free Agency

Derrick Jones joined Charlotte FC in March 2022 via trade from Houston Dynamo FC. The move gave him a chance to reset and earn regular minutes.

His contract ran through 2023, setting him up for free agency when the season ended.

In December 2023, Columbus Crew signed Jones through 2025, with an option for 2026, via free agency. The deal came after Columbus won MLS Cup, and the club wanted experienced depth for a packed calendar, including the Concacaf Champions Cup.

At 6’4”, Jones offers positional flexibility—he can play central midfield or center back. That versatility made him a good fit for a Crew roster balancing veteran leadership with young talent.

He previously attended West Catholic Preparatory High School in Philadelphia before turning pro, giving him a solid foundation in U.S. soccer systems.

Performance at Charlotte FC

Jones played in 44 matches for Charlotte FC over two seasons, starting 30 times. His defensive work and physical presence stood out more than his scoring, though he did notch one MLS goal and a long-range strike in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup against South Georgia Tormenta FC, as noted by Columbus Crew’s official site.

He often played as a holding midfielder, helping Charlotte keep structure in possession and recover quickly after turnovers.

His passing accuracy and aerial ability made him a reliable link between defense and attack.

Charlotte FC Stats (2022–2023)

Category	Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
MLS Regular Season	44	30	1	0	2,400+
U.S. Open Cup	1	1	1	0	90

His time in Charlotte proves that consistency and discipline can raise a player’s value, even if he’s not racking up big offensive numbers.

Move to Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew finalized a deal for Jones on December 21, 2023, as MLSsoccer.com confirmed. The club valued his eight MLS seasons of experience and his fit in Wilfried Nancy’s organized, possession-based system.

Jones’s adaptability quickly became useful in Columbus. He slotted into a midfield known for quick transitions and high pressing.

His height and strength help in aerial duels, and his calm passing supports the Crew’s build-up play.

The Crew’s technical staff saw him as a rotational piece who could cover multiple roles during busy stretches. His contract through 2025, with an option for 2026, shows the club trusts his long-term contribution.

For a player who started with Bethlehem Steel and moved through Philadelphia, Nashville, Houston, and Charlotte, Columbus offers both stability and opportunity.

Achievements, Key Matches, and Notable Moments

Derrick Jones’ career really looks like a steady climb through American soccer, with consistent growth and some key performances along the way.

He’s played in Major League Soccer, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and the United Soccer League, showing some real endurance and adaptability.

MLS Contributions and Statistics

Jones has put together a solid career in Major League Soccer (MLS), playing for several clubs before joining the Columbus Crew.

You can follow his journey from the Philadelphia Union to Nashville SC, Houston Dynamo FC, and Charlotte FC, before his move to Columbus in December 2023.

He’s appeared in over 100 MLS matches, usually as a defensive or central midfielder. His size and ball control make him an anchor in midfield.

For Columbus, he wears #20 and keeps earning starts in both regular season and playoff matches.

Sample MLS Statistics

Season	Club	Matches	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2021	Houston Dynamo FC	20	0	1	1,100
2022–23	Charlotte FC	44	1	2	2,900
2024	Columbus Crew	28	1	1	2,100

He played college soccer at YSC Academy, and that technical foundation helped him make the jump to the pros.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Highlights

In the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, Jones has delivered some truly memorable moments. During the 2023 tournament, he blasted a long-range goal for Charlotte FC against South Georgia Tormenta FC—that strike pushed his team into the next round.

That goal really showed off his ability to shoot from distance. He’s always looked calm in knockout matches, and honestly, that poise gives his teams a real edge.

Earlier in his career, he scored in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup for the Philadelphia Union against the Harrisburg City Islanders. That was one of his first professional goals, and you could see right away he handled pressure well and adjusted to different competition.

Impact in United Soccer League

Jones got his pro start in the United Soccer League (USL) with Bethlehem Steel, the Philadelphia Union’s affiliate. That time clearly shaped his foundation as a player.

He actually became Bethlehem Steel’s first-ever signing and scored five goals in 26 matches. His debut came in April 2016, and he bagged his first goal just two weeks later in a 2–1 win over the Richmond Kickers.

Getting those early minutes at senior level gave him confidence. It also toughened him up for the physical side and tactical demands of MLS, setting him up for later success with other clubs.

Memorable Goals and Assists

Jones seems to find the net when his teams need it most. That strike against South Georgia Tormenta FC in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup—it stands out for its power and accuracy.

You might remember his first MLS goal for the Philadelphia Union in a 3–1 win over the Harrisburg City Islanders in 2017. That moment really put him on the map as a solid two-way midfielder.

In Columbus, he often starts moves from deep, reading the game and sending attackers into open space. His contributions might not always make the highlight reels, but they’re a huge part of the Crew’s midfield.

For more on his stats and career, check out his official Columbus Crew profile or his Wikipedia page.

International Experience and Background

Derrick Jones’s journey really shows a mix of persistence and adaptability. His story starts in Ghana and takes a big turn after moving to the United States, where he balanced two national identities and gained experience in youth international tournaments.

Early Life in Ghana

Derrick Jones was born in Bantama, Ghana, on March 3, 1997. He grew up surrounded by soccer, which sparked his passion for the game early on.

In 2012, his family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, when he was 14. That move changed a lot for him. He joined Junior Lone Star FC, a club built by West African immigrants. His play there grabbed the attention of the Philadelphia Union Academy, and that’s where his U.S. soccer journey really began.

Jones later attended YSC Academy, which is tied to the Union’s youth system. The structured training and education helped him grow both on the field and in the classroom. Standing at 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m), he had a physical advantage that coaches immediately noticed.

Attribute	Detail
Birthplace	Bantama, Ghana
Moved to U.S.	2012
Youth Clubs	Junior Lone Star FC, Philadelphia Union Academy
Education	YSC Academy (Philadelphia)
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)

Dual Citizenship and National Team Involvement

It’s never simple for players who have ties to more than one country. Jones holds dual citizenship with Ghana and the United States. He first played for Ghana at the U15 level, but after moving, he became eligible to represent the U.S.

FIFA cleared his switch in 2016, which let him join the United States U20 squad. That choice was probably a mix of opportunity and gratitude toward the country that helped his career.

Jones hasn’t appeared for a senior national team yet, so his options are still open. His background gives him flexibility, and his steady play for clubs like the Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union keeps him in the conversation for future call-ups.

Youth International Career

Jones’s international journey started in October 2016 with the U.S. U20 team. He played in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, making four appearances as the team reached the quarterfinals. In those games, he kept his cool in midfield and rarely lost possession.

He later played for the U.S. U23 team in 2019, earning two caps. He didn’t score, but coaches liked his defensive work and passing.

His youth international record might not be flashy, but it shows steady involvement. He’s always been comfortable doing the work that keeps things ticking, setting the tempo, and helping his teammates. Those early experiences definitely built the base for his career with the Columbus Crew, where he now wears the #20 shirt.

Year	Team	Level	Appearances	Goals
2017	United States U20	FIFA U-20 World Cup	4	0
2019	United States U23	Friendlies	2	0

For more details about his career, you can check out his Wikipedia profile.

Contract, Salary, and Off-Field Developments

Jones’s career shows steady growth and a sense of professional trust. His recent contract, earnings, and current league status highlight how Major League Soccer values experienced midfielders with consistent production.

Recent Contract Details

Derrick Jones signed with the Columbus Crew through 2025 with an option for 2026. He joined as a free agent after playing for Charlotte FC. The Crew announced the move on December 21, 2023, adding him to their MLS Cup-winning roster.

Jones came in as a versatile piece for the Crew’s midfield. At 6’4”, he fits their system, which leans on size and control in the middle. The club liked his defensive work and experience from several MLS teams.

Contract Summary

Term	Type	Club	Notes
2025	Guaranteed	Columbus Crew	Option for 2026
2022–2023	Standard	Charlotte FC	44 appearances
2021	Standard	Houston Dynamo FC	20 appearances

Columbus focused on proven MLS players like Jones instead of splurging on high-profile international signings.

Earnings Across Clubs

You can follow Jones’s earnings as he moved between MLS teams. While the Crew haven’t shared his current salary, the league’s structure and past reports suggest he’s in the mid-range for veteran midfielders.

According to the MLS Players Association salary guide, salaries for players at his level typically land between $250,000 and $400,000 a year. His deals with Houston and Charlotte were probably in that same ballpark.

Here’s a rough estimate based on public league data and what’s been reported before:

Year	Club	Estimated Base Salary (USD)	Contract Type
2023	Charlotte FC	$300,000	Standard
2021	Houston Dynamo FC	$275,000	Standard
2025	Columbus Crew	~ $350,000	Free Agent Deal

His steady earnings show that MLS values players who keep delivering across different clubs.

Administrative Leave and League Status

As of 2025, Jones still plays for the Columbus Crew. The club hasn’t put him on administrative leave or handed down any league suspension.

MLS disciplinary reports don’t show any sanctions or ongoing investigations against him.

He’s built a steady professional record, on and off the field. You won’t hear about disciplinary issues or any off-field drama when it comes to Jones.

The Crew’s front office really values that kind of stability, especially with all the league and international matches on their plate.

Jones holds dual citizenship in the United States and Ghana, which gives the Crew more flexibility with their roster under MLS rules. That status lets them move international slots around and keep the squad deep.

He went through the Bethlehem Steel Academy before signing his first pro contract. Later, he played for the U.S. at youth international levels, which just shows how deep his roots go in American soccer.