NFL star Thomas Jones on life and love

Sep 29, 2009

Forget all the stereotypes you’ve heard about Black ball players. In his quiet and humble way, New York Jets’ Thomas Jones is redefining what it means to be a sports star as he takes care of his family and friends, finishes his Masters degree in education and builds a strong and monagmous relationship with actress girlfriend Megan Good.

ESSENCE.COM: Mr. Jones, you are more than meets the eye. What would people be surprised to know about you and what are some of the stereotypes you face as an athlete?

THOMAS JONES: Well, the three main stereotypes I hear about athletes that aren’t true are we aren’t intelligent, that we are greedy and that we don’t give back. I am finishing my Masters in Education and have always worked just as hard in school, as on the field. I never hear anything about my scholarship, but if I say something in the moment it’s everywhere. At the end of the day, everyone can’t do this job, so it’s easy to say we’re greedy, but we put our lives on the line. It’s like getting into a car accident every week when we’re on the field. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being in the limelight, and we have to try extra hard to keep ourselves out of trouble. It’s hard. Trouble tries to find you.