Whoos In Town: Thomas Jones

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the third in a monthly series about former University of Virginia legendary athletes and what they do, where they go, when they return for visits to their old college town, Charlottesville.

By Jerry Ratcliffe

Thomas Jones ran his way into our hearts as Virginia’s all-time leading rusher in the late 1990s. Now, he’s making hearts flutter as a leading man in Hollywood.

From the coal mines of Southwest Virginia to becoming UVA’s first consensus All-America offensive back since Bill Dudley in 1941, Jones worked hard en route to legendary status. The big power back finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting in 1999, established ACC and UVA records with 1,798 rushing yards and 2,054 all-purpose yards as a senior, finishing third in the nation in rushing.

After an eye-popping collegiate career, Jones followed it up with an outstanding 12 years in the pros (Cardinals, Buccaneers, Jets, Bears, Chiefs), stepping away from the game in 2012  among the top 25 leading rushers in NFL history.

In September, he was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

We could stop there. That’s enough achievement and glory for any player. Jones, though, is no ordinary football player.

He is owner of Independently Major Entertainment production company, and produced A Violent Man for Sony Pictures, a film in which Jones starred. He has appeared in movies and television, including a guest-star role for two years in the BET Network drama series Being Mary Jane when his love scene with Gabrielle Union nearly shut down Twitter.

 

What Thomas Jones Loves About Charlottesville

When did you last visit?

“I was in Charlottesville two years ago.”

What did you do?

“I went to my younger sister’s wedding at The Chapel by The Lawn. She and her husband attended Virginia as well.”

Where did you go?

“I went to The Tavern and Mincers on the Corner.”

What did you think (about your college town)?

“I feel like Charlottesville and the University of Virginia campus is magical. Everytime I go back, I feel like I don’t have a care in the world. Incredible vibes and energy.”