In the Jets’ weight room, skill players usually lift in one area and the linemen lift in another. There is, however, one exception.
Running back Thomas Jones prefers to join the 300-pound-plus group, and he doesn’t mind talking trash about how much weight he can put up. Jones weighs just 215 pounds, but he can lift with anyone, and he has the biceps to prove it.
“He’s the only guy who carries guns legally in New York state,” fellow back Leon Washington joked about Jones’ arms.
Jones was selected for his first Pro Bowl this week, and his teammates voted him team MVP and the most inspirational player – further validation of a monster year by Jones. He is leading the AFC in rushing with 1,222 yards and has set franchise records with 15 touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns.
One year after scoring just one touchdown, Jones has put his name in the Jets’ record book.
Jets coach Eric Mangini said the fact that Jones won both MVP and most inspirational players underlines his importance to the team.
“I think that’s a good indication of his impact,” Mangini said. “The MVP being more performance-based and the most inspirational being what the team draws from his energy, his excitement, his work ethic. I saw that in Thomas all of last year. The results weren’t exactly the same or what we had both hoped for. But this year you really get a sense of how dynamic a player he is and the impact that he can have on a locker room.”
Jones is usually quiet and subdued when speaking to reporters, but you can see a different side of him before games on Sundays. Jones gathers his teammates in the end zone after the team warms up and gives them a motivational talk.
“I’ve always been a guy that’s been a vocal guy, just expressing my feelings,” Jones said. “I want to let other people know that I’m ready to play for you. I’m ready to go out here and do my best for you and help us win.”
Washington said Jones is a master motivator.
“It’s how he says it, the choice of words he uses, the passion he displays in his voice,” Washington said. “You can see his attitude. When you’ve got a guy like that who says it and he means it and he shows it on the field, it’s not hard for guys to follow him.”
Jones is emulating his predecessor, Curtis Martin, finding success as an older back. The 30-year-old has had four-straight 1,000 yard seasons after having none in his first five seasons in the NFL.
In Arizona, Jones was considered a bust after the Cardinals drafted him seventh in 2000. After a stop in Tampa Bay, Jones broke out with the Bears in 2005.
After arriving in a trade from Chicago in March 2007, Jones is now showing Jets fans what he’s capable of. Jones will face his brother, Julius, on Sunday in Seattle. Two years ago, they became the first set of brothers to both rush for 1,000 yards.
Jones has endeared himself to his teammates not just with his play on the field but also with his dedication off of it, including pumping iron with the big guys.
“I like lifting with the linemen because it helps me build a good relationship with them,” Jones said. “We’re in the weight room working together and we work together on the field. I’ve always been like that. I like working out with those guys. They lift heavy and I like to lift heavy. They push me.”