Page 59 - April 2017 Life In Naplles Magazine

communities. The underlying concept behind his work is that with have in school to become a better person.
great power comes great responsibility. Since athletes are often the His message reinforces what parents and teachers have said
strongest, fastest and most influential individuals on campus, Jones for years: pay attention in school. However, having a retired NFL
believes they have an obligation to step up player deliver that message and illustrate the
and protect others. His talk inspires athletes importance of a good education with personal
and non-athletes alike. examples and real-world experiences allows
Jones also encourages students to focus that message to truly sink in.
on their education and speaks candidly Students are often engaged from the
about the challenges he’s faced as a result moment Jones walks into their school. After
of a conscious decision he made early in life each visit, many students will follow up with a
not to learn. Even though he never missed note to Jones about what they learned during
a single day of school, he was “checked out” his presentation. “When a student writes about
during class and had decided that school you, you know you have made an impact,” said
wasn’t for him. With all his attention on Kimberly Lonergan, Principal of Oakridge
sports, he was banking on cashing in on his Middle School.
athletic skills. His ticket out of Newark and Guy Blanchette, President and CEO
into the NFL was playing ball, he said. He of Drug Free Collier, understands that the
saw no reason to learn. “I can pay someone messenger is just as important as the message,
else,” he recalls thinking. That became when reaching teens. “Jones provides Drug
a costly decision for Jones. “I let others Free Collier with a strong platform to help
handle everything and everybody took my deliver our message,” he added.
money because I couldn’t read contracts,” Jones serves as Vice President of the
he added. NFL Alumni – SWFL Chapter. He is also a
As a result, he’s been homeless, suicidal, member of the Gulf Coast Football Officials
and experienced other life challenges after leaving the NFL. He Association.
tells students, “You can decide not to get an education and struggle To schedule a presentation or learn more about Drug Free
like me.” Or you can take advantage of all the opportunities you Collier, contact 239.302.6717 or visit DrugFreeCollier.org

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Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered service marks used with permission.
Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Life in Naples | April 2017 59