NFL player Brett Jones is astounded to wake up and see the New York City skyline as a member of the New York Giants, but he also enjoys coming home to Weyburn to be with family, share some of his skills and knowledge as a pro football player, and to speak at a charitable event.
Born and raised in Weyburn, he played in Weyburn Minor Football and with the Comp Eagles before going on to university, playing in the CFL and then to the NFL.
He put on the Brett Jones Football Academy from July 4 to 6 at Olympia InDepth and at Darold Kot Field, home of the Comp Eagles, with assistance from his brother Scott, and Minor Football and Eagle coaches, including Chris Michel, Cory Morrissette, Brent Allin, Jody Kerr and Darren Abel.
Jones said he and his assistants worked on some basic football skills, with the groups divided into offensive and defensive lines, and he was able to share some of his observations and advice drawn from his experience as a professional football player. The football camp also included gym training, and in-class instruction that included nutrition and life skills.
“It’s been special to see the kids out for this. They’re really into it,” he said.
While Jones is at home, he will also be the guest speaker for the upcoming fundraising golf tournament and supper for the Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, to be held on Friday, July 14, with the tournament during the day at the Weyburn Golf Course, and the supper will be held in the evening at the Weyburn Curling Rink.
Asked about how his career is going with the Giants, Jones said, “Every year it’s a battle to get on the team, but the Giants have a great organization. We’ve got a good battle for positions, and I look forward to competing for a place in the lineup again.”
He noted he was out for a time last season with a tear in his calf, but said he is healthy again and is looking forward to getting back into it. “I’m really excited for the upcoming year,” said Jones.
Coming from Weyburn and living in a huge market like New York, he said it’s taken some adjustment. “Waking up every morning to see that skyline is really great. It’s the biggest city in America, especially market-wise. Everybody takes an interest in everything you do,” he said, noting the media interest can be intense at times.
As far as dealing with all of the media attention on the team, he said the team has been really good about helping the players deal with it.
“When you get out on the field, you’re just trying to play football,” he said. “It’s nothing like I’ve ever experienced before, and I really enjoy it.”
For the new NFL season, he will report to training camp on July 27.
