ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Cardale Jones #12 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after scoring a one yard touchdown in the second quarter against the Oregon Ducks during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium on January 12, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Yesterday, the XFL announced that former Ohio State star Cardale Jones would be one of the eight quarterbacks headlining the fledgling league. Jones was assigned to the D.C. Defenders.
It has been a whirlwind few years for Jones. After coming off the bench to lead OSU to a national championship in 2014, he made the somewhat surprising decision to return to school.
Projected as a likely top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Jones instead struggled at Ohio State that fall. When he was finally selected in 2016, it wasn’t until the fourth round.
Now, Jones is out of the NFL and trying to find his footing in a different league. Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Bryant tried to use Jones as a cautionary tale on Twitter yesterday.
Cardale Jones is now in the XFL…He woulda been a top 10 pick in the 2015 NFL draft…But instead he went back to Ohio State then fell to the 4th round
D1 athletes don’t let them coaches lie to you about the importance of a college degree…If you get a 1st round grade…LEAVE
Cardale Jones is now in the XFL…He woulda been a top 10 pick in the 2015 NFL draft…But instead he went back to Ohio State then fell to the 4th round
D1 athletes don't let them coaches lie to you about the importance of a college degree…If you get a 1st round grade…LEAVE
— 🆎🧢 (@ab89) October 15, 2019
However, Jones responded to Bryant’s tweet, claiming he had inaccurately framed the situation and his reasoning for returning to school.
“I went back to OSU to finish school,” Jones tweeted. “Something I worked as hard on as my football career. I’m my own man and think for myself. Going back benefited me & my family LONG term. Educate yourself on the situation before commenting and spreading the wrong message.”
I went back to OSU to finish school. Something I worked as hard on as my football career. I’m my own man and think for myself. Going back benefited me & my family LONG term. Educate yourself on the situation before commenting and spreading the wrong message. https://t.co/G0i3kiP9iJ
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) October 16, 2019
Bryant is correct in saying Jones’ decision cost him several rounds in the draft. However, kudos to Jones for standing up for himself and being comfortable in the choice he made.
The 27-year-old signal caller is a long way from not going to Ohio State to “play school.”
