He's one of my favorite players. He was before he came to the Jets and definitely since he's been here. Former Jets RB Thomas Jones 'didn't want to leave' New York http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2011/12/former_jets_rb_thomas_jones_di.html Thomas Jones had career-highs in rushing yards (1,402) and touchdowns (14) for the Jets in 2009. After that season, the veteran running back was cut by the team. Jones, who is now with Kansas City, good-naturedly said on on a conference call today that he wasn't surprised and still feels blessed for his three seasons in New York. "I wasn’t surprised, because I knew what was possibly going to happen before the season started," Jones said. "That’s why I didn’t go to the offseason program, because I wanted to just secure my last year there. But it happened for a reason, ended up out here in Kansas City. I’m enjoying being in Kansas City around my team and teammates and the city, and this is just another experience for me to talk about when I'm done playing football." Jones did not report to the offseason program or organized team activities in 2009, speculated at the time to be due to unsuccessful attempts to renegotiate his contract -- though Jones never expressly said so at the time. He was released in March 2010, before he was due to earn a sizeable roster bonus. Jones said he didn't want to leave New York -- just like he didn't want to leave Chicago when he was traded to the Jets in 2007. His former Jets teammates still speak well of his leadership qualities as the Jets went to the AFC Championship Game in Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez's first season. "That’s the most important thing, is what guys say about you when you leave," Jones said. "Despite the fact that I still wanted to play in New York City, I didn’t want to leave -- I loved playing with my teammates there, just like I loved playing with my teammates in Chicago -- I understood that was part of the business. For guys to still think that much of me and still have that much respect for me, it means a whole lot to me." Jones, in particular, served as a mentor to Sanchez and running back Shonn Greene, both rookies in 2009. He praised Sanchez's ability to win and handle the pressure of New York City, and remembered his efforts to keep Sanchez focused on the next game during an up-and-down rookie season. "I tried to be a friend to him and kind of an older brother to him as well, because I've been through a lot of situations," Jones said. "I just tried to give him advice through the good and tough times. I hope he remembers those times, because I do." Jones added: "He’s kind of a perfectionist, and I'm a perfectionist, so I know how it is. You’re your worst critic." Jones also remembered fondly his time playing for Ryan. He said they hit it off immediately, when Jones returned to the team after missing the offseason program. He called Ryan "my kind of coach," and said he thinks he's Ryan's kind of player, too. Jones will get a chance to catch up with everyone this Sunday, when the Chiefs play the Jets at MetLife Stadium. Jones, 33, admitted this season with the Chiefs has at times been "frustrating," as the offense has struggled to get going. He has just 325 rushing yards through 12 games. But Jones said he needs just 11 yards to pass fellow Virginia grad Tiki Barber on the all-time rushing list, and he looks forward to the chance to pass that milestone against the Jets. "Coming back to New York and hopefully being able to do that as well, that’s something special," Jones said. "I look forward to it."
I didn't want him to leave either but it worked out for all sides. I'll cheer him if he's introduced Sunday then hope the Jets pound his current team.
He could get ahead of Tiki Barber in the All-Time rushing yards list with 11 yards. I'm sure you'll cheer then too
TJ was a great running back. He is a great leader and all around workhorse. As a Jet he did a great job of taking care of the football and staying healthy. Greene exploded late in his rookie year and with the loss of Leon secured his position as #2 on the roster. In the playoffs it was all Greene. I wasn't in favor of letting Jones go, but in the end Tanny and the Jets got rid of Jones at the right time.
He was a good Jet but they let him go at the right time. Hopefully he doesn't get that 11 yards this week.
CMart "Ultra" Lite.....I liked TJ as well but he was no Curtis. We need to retire #28 & #80 already...
QFT. TJ ran well behind an awful line then ran even better... Was also a locker room leader. What more did anyone want?
Agreed on Jones being the man. It's a shame he's no longer on the team, I was genuinely disappointed to see him go.
I used to think Shonn wasn't very tough either, but he's been playing through some visibly difficult pain the past couple of weeks. Maybe Rex sat him down and told him that he needs to learn to play through it if he ever wants to be a great back in this league. Hopefully he's turned a corner.
The FA RB crop is scheduled to be pretty good if he doesn't show us a lot between now and then. I still think we should try and upgrade at the position - Greene doesn't make many people miss or break many big runs. It would be nice to have a guy that can hit a few home runs, especially in an offense that supposed to be run first.
