NY Jet Thomas Jones sat down with Essence magazine to discuss life and love. We hear and read about the negative images of NFL players all this time, this is definitely uplifting. I also know that his parents are very instrumental in his life. You can definitely see their positive influence.

Forget all the stereotypes you’ve heard about Black ball players. In his quiet and humble way, New York Jets’ Thomas Jones is redefining what it means to be a sports star as he takes care of his family and friends, finishes his Masters degree in education and builds a strong and monagmous relationship with actress girlfriend Megan Good.

ESSENCE.COM: Mr. Jones, you are more than meets the eye. What would people be surprised to know about you and what are some of the stereotypes you face as an athlete?

THOMAS JONES: Well, the three main stereotypes I hear about athletes that aren’t true are we aren’t intelligent, that we are greedy and that we don’t give back. I am finishing my Masters in Education and have always worked just as hard in school, as on the field. I never hear anything about my scholarship, but if I say something in the moment it’s everywhere. At the end of the day, everyone can’t do this job, so it’s easy to say we’re greedy, but we put our lives on the line. It’s like getting into a car accident every week when we’re on the field. There is a lot of responsibility that comes with being in the limelight, and we have to try extra hard to keep ourselves out of trouble. It’s hard. Trouble tries to find you.

ESSENCE.COM: Definitely. You’ve kept yourself out of trouble. What do you credit your success to?

JONES: My family has been the foundation. If it wasn’t for my dad, I wouldn’t be where I am. He pushed me. I had to get A’s and B’s or I couldn’t play ball; he made me do sit-ups, push-ups; I had to make my bed. I had to read the front page of the paper before I could read sports. It all played a big role in who I am. My parents are working on a book called “Blessings From the Dust.” My mom worked in the Virgina coal mine for 20 years to support us. My parents raised seven kids and they are an example of what a lot of people would want to be. They’ve been married for 35 years, and all their kids went to school. My brother and I are both in the NFL. It’s amazing. When he does well, I’m more happy than when I do.

Read more here.