Thomas Jones Breaks Media Silence
RB Thomas Jones broke his media boycott today with Gang Green’s first official training camp practice to commence. His battering mate, Leon Washington was also in attendance. Jones is due to make $900,000 this season and (as you know) is unhappy with his contract situation.
“I’m up here for football,” Jones said. “I’m not going to answer any contract questions at all. If it’s football, I’m good with that. Any contract questions, I’m not going to even talk about those.”
Not surprising, considering Jones’ situation is a little different than Washington’s. Jones iterated that he wants to be with his team and doesn’t want his situation to get in the way. Whether or not he stays at camp is another question in itself.
“I’m here,” he said. “I’m with my team. I’m glad to be here. I like Coach Ryan and what he’s doing. Everyone up here is excited about the season, excited about the opportunity that we have. Today was a good start this morning and we look forward to going out this afternoon and trying to have a better practice.”
Jones is another Jet that is a fan of Ryan’s practice schedule. It was rumored last season that he was not happy with Eric Mangini’s method. Coming off a career year in 2008, Jones needs to make good on the gifts he’s been given over the last year (meaning a great offensive line and HOF fullback in front of him) and with the passing game looking suspect, he and Washington’s role should see a significant increase this season.
The big three had a great rhythm last season and now have RB Shonn Greene in the mix. It’ll be interesting to see how Ryan splits the carries this season, especially if all are on the field for 16 games. Greene had been slowed by injuries and butter-fingers in mini-camp, but those days are long gone with the grind of training camp arriving.
“We had a nice chemistry because all three of us can do good things especially at different times in the game in different situations,” Jones said. “We each have a role to play and we each play that role to the best of our ability. Sometimes when you have three backs or a backfield with talented guys, you have guys that want the ball more than that guy, but we don’t have that situation. We have team players back there that want to win. We look at each other like brothers, like a family. That’s how our running back group is. We’re really close. Me and Leon were here when we were 4-12 two years ago and it was just me and Leon for some games.”
And Jets fans don’t want another 4-12 season, especially in the inaugural year of Rex Ryan’s reign. Jones said his contract situation is no where near his mind right now and all he’s thinking about is football. Could that change if (actually, once) Washington gets a deal? Can Jones duplicate last season? History shows that he won’t but stay tuned for that.
“I’m just taking it one day at a time,” he said. “That’s what I did last year and the year before that and the year before that. I just focus on one thing and make sure to perfect that as much as I can so that when Sunday comes, I’m ready to go in all aspects of my game. I think we have one of the best backfields in the League with me, Leon (Washington) and Tony (Richardson). Danny Woodhead and Jehuu (Caulcrick) are young guys. Shonn Greene is a guy coming in who is a highly-touted rookie. I think we have a proven backfield. We’re all excited to be together and work together and we look forward to having a good year.”
There’s been a perception in the media that Jones has been disgruntled most of the off-season and is truly unhappy. Jones said that’s not the case and he’s excited for the season.
Now that the Jets have a three-punch at the RB position (remember, Tony Richardson barely touched the ball last season) there’s no telling what that group could do.
“I don’t write, I’m not a writer,” he said. “I don’t even read the papers. I’ve been in Miami working out with my trainer and about 15 or 20 other NFL guys at a facility down there. Anything that was written by whomever that didn’t even talk to me or my agent, that’s pretty much just someone writing something without talking to me. I’m happy. I’m here for camp. I’m excited about the season. I’m excited about Rex and this is where I need to be. I’m glad to be here with my teammates and I’m looking forward to a good season.”
For Jets fans sake, he better make it a good one.
5 Responses to Thomas Jones Breaks Media Silence
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Lafflin says:
This is exactly the type of leadership that you want to hear from a first class player. Thanks you for that Thomas Jones.
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Dax -from BedSty to Speed,NC says:
A true PRO.All the talk of this and that,his said this cause my freind has a uncle who know the person who lives next door to a guy who used to work on his block said he said so.See what type of culture we have devolved into.TJ parents worked in Va coal mines!His Mother became the primary wage earner when his Father was laid off.So it’s more the fair to say he knows how to GO TO WORK.None of them so called media scribbs parents or them for that matter know S#*T about hard work on that level by means of going into the bowels of the earth risking black lung and other hazards to provide for a family and raise 2 MEN that we don’t hear a bad word of in the media.The media should appluad that,but no the hype and drama sells papers.But great stories of overcoming lifes bad dealt hand only inspires a nation.
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Harlan Lachman says:
You know, TJ got his money so I am fine with not renegotiating. And, I would never renegotiate to give him more money.
But, if he is going to be a pro’s pro, it may make sense for him to reduce next year’s payout. If he would, I would advance him this year, half of what he takes less. For example, if he cuts his cost next year by two million, give him one this year.
It rewards a good soldier and makes him more affordable next year (should Shonn suffer a devastating injury or just not develop).
This would seem to me to be a win-win for everyone but Drew who probably would hate to cut his percentage (which he will never see).
harlan
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fonzie says:
Don’t count Thomas Jones out yet. He is by FAR more valuable to the team than Greene is and just as much valuable to the team as Leon Washington. He has by far the most nfl experience than all three running backs at the position. If anything he is our Mr. Reliable.
Well played, young master TJ.
Simply go about your business, play as hard as you always do, and the season will evolve as it does. You don’t owe the writers anything other than football talk. The rest is between your agent and Tanny’s people.
You’re doing the right thing in not listening to all the crows yapping about this is horrible or that is horrible, and Oh! by the way, you really suck, and we know all your career stats are bogus and you got nothin’, and YOU should be paying the Jets for the privilege of having a roster spot.
Long may you run, sir.