The Jets added wide receiver Dwight Jones to their practice squad Wednesday. Jones is an interesting prospect. He was rated highly coming out of North Carolina in 2012, but went undrafted. The Texans signed him after the draft, but he quit football in June of last year.
Many people thought he just lost his desire to play, but his infant son, who was born in Sept. 2011, had a lung disease and Jones wanted to be with him. His son died this June, and now Jones is ready to play again.
“I didn’t want to play football,” Jones said. “I didn’t feel like it.”
Jones said many people did not realize that was the reason he was walking away.
“My son was born real sick,” Jones said. “A lot of people didn’t understand my story. They just thought I quit football. I didn’t just quit football. My son was real sick, and God put a burden on me not to play football at that time. God has given me that feeling back that I love football.”
Jones worked out for the Jets on Tuesday and was signed. He practiced Wednesday for the first time in more than a year. Now, he’s hoping to land a spot with the Jets for next year.
“Once I get the rust off I feel like I can get back into football mode,” he said. “I left some plays out there on the field today. I’m disappointed in myself. I made a big play at the end. … I see myself contributing to the team next year.”
Jones said he dropped to his knees on Tuesday after his workout to thank God for getting him here.
“I’m here,” he said. “God works in mysterious ways. A lot of people doubted me, said they thought I was done. I went out there today and to go against [Antonio] Cromartie, one of the best corners in the NFL, that was a fun challenge. I’m just happy to be back playing.”
Jones had a monster 2011 season for the Tar Heels, catching 85 passes for 1,196 yards and 12 touchdowns. If he can find that form again, he has a good chance of at least getting a look this spring from the Jets.