Jones Named Week 19 National Guard Community MVP
July 13, 2012 - Arena Football League (AFL) News Release
CHICAGO -San Jose SaberCats DB ANDRE JONES has been named National Guard Community MVP of the Week for his recent philanthropic efforts.
Jones (5-11, 195, Akron) is in his second season in the AFL and his first with the SaberCats. Jones was named the Riddell Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in Week 18 against the New Orleans VooDoo.
Jones, accompanied by other SaberCat defensive backs, recently went to Hammer Elementary School in San Jose to visit and speak with students.
"I come from a big family and I'm really good with kids," Jones said. "If I go out and speak to 100 students and am able to get my message out to only one, then I did my job for the day." The importance of education is a topic that Jones touches on every time he speaks to youths.
"You only have a few years to get everything in line with your schoolwork. Depending on how you finish up pretty much dictates the rest of your life," Jones said. "I tell them have your fun, but stay focused, the real world will come faster than you think."
Lately, Jones has made it a point to address the serious issue of bullying in schools.
"It's become a major issue in schools recently, "Jones said. "I was a big guy when I was in high school and I was a football player so if I saw someone being bullied, no matter who the bully was, I would always stand up and say something about it."
Despite his busy schedule during the season, Jones has never turned down an opportunity to visit and speak with students.
"Right now I have three different visits with students lined up that I have to get done in the next three weeks but I never turn any down. Even if it means I have two in one week, I will do it," Jones said. "My motto has always been, if I can change one life then it's worth it."
The San Jose SaberCats (11-6) will host the Iowa Barnstormers (6-10) on Saturday at 10:30 pm ET and can be seen on the "AFL Live" viewer on UStream.tv/AFL.
The National Guard Community MVP is awarded to one player each week in recognition of their commitment to community service. Following the 2012 season, players will be voted on by fans to become the National Guard Community MVP of the Year.
Arena Football League Stories from July 13, 2012
- Gladiators Eliminated From Postseason With Loss to Blaze on NFL Network, 83-63 - Cleveland Gladiators
- SaberCats Host Barnstormers on Saturday Night in Final Home Regular Season Game - San Jose SaberCats
- Jones Named Week 19 National Guard Community MVP - AFL
- Hart and Quaye Added to Roster, Hill Placed on IR - Tampa Bay Storm
- Storm Hosts the New Orleans VooDoo Saturday, July 14 on Fan Appreciation Night - Tampa Bay Storm
- Sharks to Give Back on Fan Appreciation Night - Jacksonville Sharks
- A Reason to Remember the Name - New Orleans VooDoo
- Command vs. Shock Game Preview - Kansas City Command
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