'I'll forever be an Auburn Tiger': 2-time Super Bowl champ Jonathan Jones

AUBURN, Ala. – From Boston to the Plains, former Auburn football standout Jonathan Jones looks for ways to make a difference.

One of five finalists for the 2023 NFL Players Association Allen Page Community Award, Jones returned to Auburn with his family after his seventh season with the New England Patriots to tour the new Woltosz Football Performance Center and throw out the first pitch at an Auburn softball game.

Jones also served the community, something that’s second nature to him.

In 2019 he created the Jonathan Jones Next Step Foundation, focusing on education, mentorship and building practical life skills.  

“It just means that I’m doing a lot of good work,” he said. “I have so much more to do. Being able to use the platform I’ve been given to help so many other people and be a light.”

Jones partnered with Auburn Sustenance during the Patriots’ open date in November, raising money at a tailgate to provide meals and snacks for 450 local families on days Auburn City Schools were closed for the holidays, returning in February to pack meals for students during spring break.

The two-time Super Bowl champion also provided a holiday dinner for 250 children at the Blue Hills Boys & Girls Club in Boston, and distributed turkeys and meals to 100 more community members.

“We work closely with some schools out of Boston, helping out in the community,” Jones said. “It’s been fun.”

From undrafted free agent to NFL standout, Jones’ journey inspires him to serve.

“It starts with people,” he said. “Somebody had to reach back and help me. There have been so many people on my journey who have helped me get to where I am. When you get to a point, it’s your turn to be that helping hand to reach back.

“I’m definitely at that point, heading into my eighth year, to help younger people in whatever endeavors they want to pursue.” 

Entering his eighth NFL season, Jones recently signed a two-year contract with the Patriots after earning praise from New England head coach Bill Belichick, who told Patriots.com, “Jon does everything right all the time. Works hard. Trains hard. Always in good condition. Takes care of himself. He’s a tough kid. It’s about going out there and being really tough, smart and dependable. He’s all of those things.”

“It’s been a blessing,” Jones said of his professional football career. “There’s been so many ups and downs, but a lot of blessings along the way and I’m excited to see what’s next.

“It’s defying odds. It’s a result of my foundation, from my high school to my community to Auburn and Auburn people here who helped me, and my family – everyone who continues to support me makes it easy for me to practice and go out there to compete on Sundays.”

A four-year starter on the Plains from 2012-15, Jones recorded seven career interceptions and helped the Tigers win the 2013 SEC Championship. During the offseason, Jones lives in Atlanta, which allows him to stay close to his alma mater.

“It’s important,” Jones said. “It’s a part of my legacy. It’s a part of what made me. When I look back, Auburn is one of those stepping stones that I don’t think I could be where I am if I hadn’t made the choice to come to Auburn. It’s a big part of me. I’ll forever be an Auburn Tiger and I’ll forever be around.”

Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer