A.J. Jones - Leading On The Gridiron & In The Community
Sunday, October 17, 2010 | Football
By Amanda Brooks, UF Communications
At birth, A.J. Jones weighed a mere 3 pounds, 7 ounces. Doctors thought that he wouldn't make it into this world. If he did survive, they believed he would never develop fully, mentally or physically, and predicted that he would struggle in school. As Jones explains it, his lifestyle would have been completely different. Most of all, he would have never been able to play sports.
The Tampa, Fla., native now stands at 6 feet, 1 inch, and weighs 226 pounds. Entering the Mississippi State game, Jones has collected 133 total tackles in his career, including 11.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He was named to the Coaches' All-SEC Freshman team in 2007 and could potentially become the first Florida linebacker to start nine or more games in four different years. Jones has started 79 percent of the games in which he played, including starting assignments in the Gators' first five contests of his final campaign.
As a redshirt senior linebacker and a key contributor for the Gators, Jones sees the importance in being a good leader on and off the field, while leaving his mark on those within the program and within the community.
“It's more than just about football,” Jones said. “It's about life. It's about helping each other out, day after day. If somebody is struggling or down, you pick them up. It's like a rotation: you help them, they'll help someone else.”
Jones continued, “When I was a baby, I was born premature. The reason that I made it through is because of my parents' faith in God and because of the help they received while I was in the hospital.”
Providing assistance to people is a major part of Jones' life now, as is the importance of which he passes on to his teammates. It was his dedication to helping others that led to Jones being chosen as an honorary captain for this year's Gator Charity Challenge, a designation he did not take lightly. The event, which was initiated prior to the 2008 season, featured the 2010 Gator squad challenging each other in a series of strength competitions. The squad was divided into teams that represented six Shands-affiliated organizations: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, Shands Cancer Hospital and STOP! Children's Cancer.
“I think the best thing about the Charity Challenge is the fact that we had the chance to stand back and bring great causes to the front of the community,” Jones said. “I was so honored to be chosen to represent the Ronald McDonald House and have the opportunity to meet those who benefit from the good work they do.”
Jones' connection with the Ronald McDonald House did not go unnoticed, as many who were involved in the planning and operation of the event were impressed by how committed to the cause Jones was.
“A.J. seemed to take pride in being a captain for this summer's football Charity Challenge,” Kari Hodgkiss, the marketing representative for the Charity Challenge, acknowledged. “A.J. took the time to make a personal connection with the honorary captain designated by the Ronald McDonald House.”
Hodgkiss continued, “A.J. made the effort to make it a memorable experience for the honorary captain, one that he'll have for the rest of his life. I think that everyone involved in the event was impressed by A.J.'s leadership and dedication to making it a successful event.”
Terry Jackson, Director of Player and Community Relations and a former Gator running back, said Jones has “a humble heart. He's always so willing to help out and does so much whenever we do our Goodwill Gators Program or even just have a group tour coming to our facilities. To see A.J. connect with the families shows what amazing interpersonal skills he has. He's such a pleasure to work with and it's great to see him turning into such a great man.
Jones says that meeting the families from the Ronald McDonald House was his favorite part of the Charity Challenge and one of his favorite memories as a Gator.
“I got to meet some of the parents and kids who the Ronald McDonald House helps,” Jones said. “The day before we did the Charity Challenge, I met the honorary captain and visited with him for a long time. We took the family around the facilities and it just warmed my heart that you can brighten somebody's day like that. It just really touched me and made me work that much harder during the Charity Challenge the next day.”
Jones realized the importance of being named a captain for the Charity Challenge and the impact his work with others can have on his younger teammates.
“I came to Florida young and willing to learn, now I've matured a lot and seen a lot of things. I try to use my wisdom and knowledge to help the younger players come along, because that's what it's all about. I've learned a lot since I've been here and I'm going to take that lesson of helping the next person in this world with me.”
Jones was awarded the distinction of being voted as a captain for the football team in his senior season. He realizes that it is important to set a good example, both out in the community and on the football field. The Middleton High School graduates believes that it is up to him to help the younger players strike the balance between winning on the field and portraying good sportsmanship, as well as becoming positive role models who serve their communities.
“It's an honor and a blessing because a lot of people don't get to be a captain of the Florida Gators' football team,” Jones said. “There are over 100 people on this team and there are only five or six captains chosen each year. I'm glad my teammates and coaches picked me as a leader to support this team.”
Jones believes his being named captain, after recovering from a season-ending knee injury last year, is the culmination of hard work, perseverance and determination.
“After this last injury, I had a lot of support and it gave me motivation to want to come back harder,” Jones admitted. “I know that I'm working for something now. I'm a part of this team and that's my real motivation. I want to be accountable and don't want to let my teammates down.”
Jones continued, “What I want to tell all of my younger teammates is to stay patient, be willing to work hard and learn. Just go hard and give everything their all, on and off the field. Everything will work out for them. Coach Meyer will never put them in a bad position and all of the coaches want them to do well.”
After Jones completes his final season wearing the Orange and Blue and earns his degree, he wants to, unsurprisingly, work with others and strive to help those in need on a daily basis.
“Ultimately, I know that I want to help people,” Jones said. “I'm a people person, that's why I majored in family, youth and community services. I want to do something with kids.”
While Jones strives to help others, there is one group of people to whom he does not show much mercy: his opponents. Bob Redman from FightinGators.com notes that “Jones is a versatile athlete with a penchant for the hard hit and the athleticism to cover very skilled offensive players.”
Jones started the first 11 games of last season before suffering a knee injury that caused him to miss the final three contests. During his redshirt junior season, Jones notched three quarterback sacks and totaled three interceptions, two of which were against Georgia in UF's 41-17 victory. So far this season, Jones is already well on his way to eclipsing his number of total tackles amassed in each of his three previous seasons.
It is safe to say that A.J. Jones has left his stamp on the Gator football team and within the Gainesville community. It is his dedication to helping others, whether it is his fellow teammates or those in the surrounding areas, that makes him an integral contributor to the 2010 Florida football team. Of course, his hard hits don't hurt either.
