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Texas Born & Bred – Mike Jones

May 19, 2004 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Laredo Law News Release


LAREDO, Texas – When the Laredo Law came into existence the franchise knew that it wouldn't have to go very far to find players for the arenafootball2 game. With big time college programs throughout the LoneStar state, it was simply a matter of looking around to find the talent. At 6'5" 275-pounds, offensive-defensive lineman Mike Jones was tough to miss.

Jones, a native of San Antonio, played four years of college football at the University of Texas from 1997-2001. He holds UT school record for most receiving yards by a tight end in a game. He was also a teammate of Ricky Williams when Williams captured the Heisman trophy in 1998. The funny thing is Jones didn't grow up a Longhorn fan.

"I was born an Aggies fan," said Jones. "When I was a kid I loved watching A&M. When I was being recruited my head coach in high school said, ‘You'll know the place you feel comfortable right away when you visit, that is where you'll belong'. When I went on my recruiting visit to the University of Texas I felt comfortable immediately with the city of Austin and the academics at Texas. It just felt right. UT was a fun place to be and now I bleed burnt orange."

While playing for the Longhorns, Jones gained valuable experience that is helping him play for the Law.

"I started as a tight end, then switched to defensive line, then switched back to tight end to finish my career," explained Jones.

In the arenafootball2 game players play both ways.

"It's been fun going both ways," said Jones. "You always want to be better than the guy across from you. Now you get a chance to do something on both sides of the ball."

Jones attended San Antonio Marshall High School where he was an All-District tight end and also All-District in basketball. He was a member of the Austin Fab 55, and also the Dallas Morning News top players in Texas. Upon graduation he played in the Texas High School All-Star Game. After playing at UT he spent the 2002 season with the Toronto Phantoms in the Arena Football League. This past year he went to camp with the expansion AFL Austin Wranglers. Despite being released just prior to the first game the experience turned into a tremendous opportunity. Jones was an extra, playing a football player, in the movie ‘Friday Night Lights'.

"The Wranglers cut me two days before the first game," said Jones. "One of the stunt coordinators for the movie happened to be a Big 12 official. He got my number from the Wranglers and that is how it all came about."

Jones was paid to play football during the movie. The book ‘Friday Night Lights' chronicles the phenomenon of high school football in Texas and focused on the 1988 season of Permian High School, a legendary west Texas powerhouse.

"I was used on the opposing teams," said Jones. "We would play real games. You would get bonuses for big hits and sacks."

Despite the movie fun, Jones yearned for the actual games on the field without the cameras.

"I am back playing for the love of the game," explained Jones. "After Toronto I was looking for a chance to play again. I talked with my Mom and she said ‘It'll happen if it is meant to'. I prayed about it and I am glad to have this opportunity with the Law."

Jones, who has a younger brother Matt and a younger sister Michelle, has completed his B.A. in Government, with a minor in Social Work and Business.

"When I am done playing football I would love to own my own ranch, run some cattle outside of San Antonio," mused Jones. "I love being out hunting and fishing. I am an outdoors person."

Until then Jones will just keep enjoying his time on the field with the Law.

"We are playing as a team and having a lot of fun. One day at a time one step at a time," finished Jones.

The Law is on the road the next two weeks. Laredo returns home on June 5th against the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. For tickets call (956) 726-GAME (4263) or go online at www.laredolaw.com.

LAW ON THE RADIO

Catch the Law all season long on 94.9 The New Qure FM. The games will also be video streamed over the internet through www.af2tv.com.

LAW WEEKLY

Law Weekly with head coach Scot Maynard airs every Thursday night at 6 p.m. on Laredo News Talk AM 1490 KLNT.

LAW IN THE COMMUNITY

To schedule the Law for a player appearance contact Nicole Thompson at (956-523-6586) or nthompson@laredobucks.com.

ABOUT THE af2

In four short seasons the af2 has nearly doubled in size from 15 teams to 25. arenafootball2 promotes a fan friendly attitude with autograph sessions on the field for the home team after each game. The af2 and the AFL strictly adhere to a Fans Bill of Rights which is unique to any major sport. The Fans Bill of Rights includes: every fan is entitled to a wholesome environment for guests and family members, free of violence, profane gestures and language or rude and invasive behavior that could in any way interfere with a first-class entertainment experience; every fan demands that we maintain absolute respect for the game of Arena Football and maintain the integrity of the finest of fair competition at all times; every Fan deserves our very best effort on a consistent basis, on every play on the field, every action in the stands, every call to our office, and every involvement in our community.

For ticket information contact the Laredo Law at (956) 726-GAME (4263) or visit www.laredolaw.com.

(956)-726-GAME (4263)

www.laredolaw.com

Laredo Law Football – "A New Brand of Justice"



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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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