Running back who played in the NFL for 12 seasons, earning three Pro Bowl selections and helping the Chicago Bears win Super Bowl XX.
Thomas Jones, born on August 19, 1978, is a renowned American actor and former professional football player who made a name for himself in the National Football League (NFL). With an impressive 12-season career, Jones played as a running back for various teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Born in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Jones grew up in a family that instilled in him a strong work ethic and ambition. His father encouraged him and his siblings to learn five new words every day and read the front page of the newspaper before reading the sports section. This discipline and dedication led Jones to excel in sports, particularly football, during his high school days at Powell Valley High School.
Under Jones' leadership, the school team won back-to-back state championships in 1994 and 1995. He holds the VHSL record for most rushing yards in a season with 3,319 and broke his late uncle's single-game rushing record in 1994. Jones' impressive performance earned him a feature in the January 22, 1996, issue of Sports Illustrated.
Jones played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, earning consensus All-American honors in 1999. He was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals seventh overall in the 2000 NFL draft. Throughout his NFL career, Jones played for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Kansas City Chiefs.
He retired in 2015, ranking among the top 25 leading rushers in NFL history and a member of the prestigious 10,000 rushing yards club. In 2019, Jones was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020.
In 2013, Jones began his acting career, performing under the name Thomas Q. Jones due to the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists' (SAG-AFTRA) unique stage name requirements. His notable credits include the 2015 film Straight Outta Compton and a recurring role in the Marvel series .
Jones has received various accolades for his achievements in football and acting. Some of his notable awards include:
Jones' personal milestones include his mother, Betty, working the graveyard shift in a Virginia coal mine for nearly 20 years while raising seven children. He credits his parents with instilling the ambition and strong work ethic that he is known for in professional football.
Jones is also involved in various charitable initiatives, using his platform to give back to his community and support social causes.
Thomas Jones' remarkable career in football and acting has left an indelible mark on both industries. His dedication, perseverance, and strong work ethic serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and actors alike. Jones' legacy will continue to inspire and motivate future generations to strive for excellence and pursue their passions.
46 Years Old
Hall of Fame running back who holds multiple NFL records, including most touchdowns in a season, and was a dominant force on the field during his 11-year career.
49 Years Old
Quarterback who played for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, and later became a sportscaster, known for his intelligence and accuracy on the field.
56 Years Old
Legendary quarterback who holds multiple NFL records, including most career passing yards and touchdowns, known for his toughness and durability on the field.
97 Years Old
Acclaimed director and producer of provocative, socially conscious films that often explored themes of class, identity, and morality, earning numerous awards and nominations.
53 Years Old
Hall of Fame running back who played for the New England Patriots and New York Jets, holding the fourth-most career rushing yards in NFL history.
Born in 1831
A Canadian-American sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during World War II, including single-handedly destroying an enemy machine gun nest. He demonstrated exceptional bravery and selflessness in the face of danger.
