Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew making a name for himself
Jones-Drew was numb. Football helped with that.
And for the rest of his career, to honor the man who protected him, packed for him, fed him, spoiled him and counseled him, he changed the name on the back of his jersey from Drew to Jones-Drew.
That year Jones-Drew set two NCAA records and declared for the draft as a junior.
The Jaguars took him in the second round, 60th overall, to play behind Fred Taylor.
Then Jones-Drew started looking after others.
He pays his younger sister's college tuition, takes her shopping whenever she's in town and helps pay for her apartment.
And on the field, he's looking after the team, his quarterback and starting running back Taylor.
During his first season, Jones-Drew had a team-record 2,250 all-purpose yards. He and Taylor have been the second-best running-back pair in the NFL for the last two years.
Taylor, 32, even credits Jones-Drew with helping his body last longer. He made his first pro-bowl appearance last season with Jones-Drew by his side.
"I can't think of a better situation for Maurice to be in," said Vikings running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who recruited and coached Jones-Drew in college. "He's with a guy who's going to help him to learn the game, to help him prolong his career."
Jones-Drew has never publicly asked for more from his team, not even more than the rookie minimum salary he's scheduled to make this season.
He's always reaped the benefits of being protected, taken care of and reciprocating. He's become invaluable to the Jaguars, and one of the most popular players on the team. By taking care of others, he takes care of himself.
Jones-Drew was numb. Football helped with that.
And for the rest of his career, to honor the man who protected him, packed for him, fed him, spoiled him and counseled him, he changed the name on the back of his jersey from Drew to Jones-Drew.
That year Jones-Drew set two NCAA records and declared for the draft as a junior.
The Jaguars took him in the second round, 60th overall, to play behind Fred Taylor.
Then Jones-Drew started looking after others.
He pays his younger sister's college tuition, takes her shopping whenever she's in town and helps pay for her apartment.
And on the field, he's looking after the team, his quarterback and starting running back Taylor.
During his first season, Jones-Drew had a team-record 2,250 all-purpose yards. He and Taylor have been the second-best running-back pair in the NFL for the last two years.
Taylor, 32, even credits Jones-Drew with helping his body last longer. He made his first pro-bowl appearance last season with Jones-Drew by his side.
"I can't think of a better situation for Maurice to be in," said Vikings running backs coach Eric Bieniemy, who recruited and coached Jones-Drew in college. "He's with a guy who's going to help him to learn the game, to help him prolong his career."
Jones-Drew has never publicly asked for more from his team, not even more than the rookie minimum salary he's scheduled to make this season.
He's always reaped the benefits of being protected, taken care of and reciprocating. He's become invaluable to the Jaguars, and one of the most popular players on the team. By taking care of others, he takes care of himself.
