Oklahoma football: Landry Jones thankful for time at OU

And yes, Jones means his critics, too.

“It puts you through the fire,” Jones said. “You're refined through those trials, and times you feel like you're in the wilderness. I think that's definitely helped my character. Looking back on it now, I'm thankful for even some of the bad things people said.”

Saturday, the most prolific passer in OU history will be honored along with his fellow seniors, then play his final game on Owen Field against Oklahoma State.

Two days before Senior Day is Thanksgiving Day, another occasion that seems appropriate for OU fans to express appreciation for the tough, resilient, first-class quarterback they're about to lose.

As a redshirt freshman, Jones became Oklahoma's starter after injuries prematurely ended Sam Bradford's college career.

Jones has never missed a start or left a game with an injury since taking over; in those 44 consecutive starts, he's won a Big 12 title and three bowl games, along with two Bedlam and three Red River Rivalry victories.

He's won more career games (37) and thrown for more yards (15,624) and touchdowns (117) than any OU quarterback ever.

Last week, Jones played the best game of his career, throwing for 554 yards and six touchdowns — including a remarkable final drive, when he called an audible that resulted in the game winning touchdown — in a 50-49 shootout victory at West Virginia.