Jacoby Jones Back Home and Giving Back
August 3, 2023 - XFL (XFL)
Orlando Guardians News Release
FLORISSANT, Mo. - Stepping back on the field at McCluer North High School brought back a lot of memories and emotions for Orlando Guardians defensive end Jacoby Jones.
Six years ago, he was a high school student-athlete with hopes of taking his game to the next level. Earlier this summer, Jones was now the instructor at his high school alma mater, hosting nearly 100 kids for the inaugural The Jones Way Trench Camp.
"This is where it started from, I worked my way up to where I am now," Jones said. "Coming out of high school, I didn't go straight (to) D-I. I had to go to junior college and it was an opportunity for me to learn from my past mistakes and it helped me grow and get better."
Jones went on to graduate with his associate's degree at Butler Community College and then moved on to excel at the University of Texas, while earning his bachelor's degree. After a quick stop with the New Orleans Saints, Jones settled in with the Guardians this past season, recording 21 tackles while leading the team with 3.5 sacks.
Now back home in the St. Louis area for the off-season, Jones and his older brother Keith Jr., a defensive assistant with the New England Patriots, launched the idea of a free camp for the community.
"We're looking to give them the opportunity we didn't have when we were in school," said Jones. "Getting in the XFL, that was an opportunity for myself, it's all about the league of opportunity and we want to be these kids' opportunity. Give them the opportunity and knowledge that they need. Before they hit college, let them know they need to have their grades right. You need to be paying attention in school, everything they tell you now matters. They're telling you that for the right reasons. We're just trying to help these young men grow as players, as students and as individuals."
Not only was it a family-affair for the Jones brothers, but teammates and friends such as Guardians offensive lineman Ze'Veyon Furcon and New England Patriots linebacker Ronnie Perkins also stopped by to assist. Other family and friends were busy providing water or grilling lunch for the campers and another handed out swag bags, which included workout routines and goal books to work on establishing good habits, for the campers to take home.
"We've got to pick somebody up," Jones said. "Everybody needs a hand. (You) can't do it alone. That's why we want to be a helping hand to anybody who needs help. We're not looking for anything in return. We just want to see these kids go to college, graduate, want to see them go pro. But it starts with development. It starts with teaching them life skills, it starts with everything above that doesn't have anything to do with football. Just trying to teach them to be great young men and great athletes."
Orlando Guardians season tickets for the 2024 season are now available.
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