Kevin Jones (American football)

Kevin S. Jones (born August 21, 1982) is a former American college and professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for six seasons. Jones played college football for Virginia Tech, and earned All-American honors. He was selected in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft, and played professionally for the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears of the NFL.

Early years
Jones was born in Chester, Pennsylvania. He was a standout in football when he came to Cardinal O'Hara High School as a freshman. Coach Stratts had no choice but to put him in as a freshman. Jones broke many records at O'Hara and finished his career up with a Philadelphia Catholic League Championship. In that game he scored four touchdowns.

He was the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation, and could not decide between Penn State and Virginia Tech, eventually choosing to be a Hokie to the surprise of many. He said, "If you're a blue-chipper from Pennsylvania, you go to Penn State. But I've always been a little contrary. On the day of my press conference, I still hadn't decided between Virginia Tech and PSU. As I sat down in front of everybody, I had both jerseys with me. I pulled the Penn State jersey out of a bag and said, "I will ... not be attending Penn State." Then I ripped off my sweater and had a Mike Vick jersey on underneath. The entire room was flabbergasted. Afterward, I got plenty of hate mail, lots of it racial. People weren't afraid to use the N-word."

College career
Jones attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and played for coach Frank Beamer's Virginia Tech Hokies football team from 2000 to 2003. He was the highest rated recruit in the program's history. Following an injury to Lee Suggs, Jones won the starting job and set a school record for rushing yards from a freshman. In 2002, Suggs and Jones split time at tailback, and were together called "the Untouchables" following a contest for fans to give them a nickname.

He finished his college career with 3,475 yards and 35 touchdowns on 616 carries (an average of 5.6 yards per carry), and 24 receptions for 229 yards (an average of 9.5 yards per reception). His 3,475 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns both rank second on the school's career-record list.

Stats

 * 2001: 175 carries for 957 yards (5.47) and 5 TD. 6 catches for 47 yards.
 * 2002: 160 carries for 871 yards (5.44) and 9 TD. 4 catches for 21 yards.
 * 2003: 281 carries for 1647 yards (5.86) and 21 TD. 14 catches for 161 yards.

Detroit Lions
Jones had a successful rookie season with the Lions and became only the third running back in franchise history to rush for 1,000+ yards in his rookie season, joining the ranks of Billy Sims and Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. He was sidelined at the end of the 2006 season with a Lisfranc fracture.

Jones, still working himself back from the Lisfranc fracture suffered in 2006, looked impressive early on in the season as the number two back, and saw his first action as a starter in Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jones rushed for 105 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown in his second start of the season in a Week 8 victory over the division rival Chicago Bears. In Week 7, Jones became the full-time starter, getting the bulk of the carries for the Lions, with backup T. J. Duckett seeing only limited action. But Jones injured himself again, creating concern about his durability.

On March 13, 2008, the Lions released Jones. However, it was reported that the team could bring him back at a reduced salary.

Chicago Bears
On July 14, 2008, it was reported that Jones would sign with either the Chicago Bears or Pittsburgh Steelers the following day. On July 15, he signed a one-year, $605,000 contract with the Bears.

On March 6, 2009, the Chicago Bears agreed to terms with Kevin Jones on a two-year contract worth approximately $3.5 million. The deal includes a $1 million bonus and $2 million in the first season. He was intended to be the primary backup to Matt Forte.

On September 3, 2009, Kevin Jones was injured during a preseason football game when he was hit out of bounds by Cleveland Browns linebacker Marcus Benard. Kevin Jones was out for the 2009 season with torn ligaments in his left ankle.

Jones was released on March 9, 2010 after the Bears signed Chester Taylor during free agency.

Hartford Colonials
Jones joined the Hartford Colonials of the UFL in September 2010.