Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester alum Jarron Jones has been busy in his Rookie year with the Dallas Cowboy’s in the National Football League. Through all of the hard work and excitement, he will never forget how his years spent at the Club impacted him and, in many ways, helped him accomplish his dream.
Jarron became an official Club member at the age of 7. His father worked at the Club and his siblings were members as well. “I was always a part of the Club, even before I was old enough to be a member,” said Jarron.
Although he participated in other Club programming, Jarron could always be found playing basketball and getting guidance from Reggie Smith, Health and Fitness Coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester. Jarron struggled a bit with being built differently than other Club members and fitting in. His height and strength would later come as an advantage, but he credits Reggie with helping him learn how to “handle adversity” and carry himself through the challenges.
“His mentorship went a very long way,” said Jarron. “I learned a lot throughout my years as a Club member that I continue to use today.”
Jarron participated in Biddy Basketball, a youth development league focused on basketball and life skills, from 7 to 12 years old. He started playing football with the Southwest Colts at the age of 7, then went on to play for the Greece Police Athletic League. His passion for football grew when he went to Aquinas Institute of Rochester. After establishing himself at Aquinas as a star player, Jarron knew he wanted to continue his football career in college. Becoming a member of the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish was the next step in his journey. He played defensive tackle for the team and graduated with a degree in sociology.
Jarron’s signed 2013 National Championship jersey from the Division I school hangs in the Boys & Girls Clubs Game Room for all to see. It was a proud moment for Reggie when he received the jersey from Jarron and then unveiled it hanging in the Game Room. “The jersey symbolizes all that Jarron worked for and it will hopefully inspire other Club members to see what they too can accomplish.”
Jarron is excited to have the opportunity to compete professionally with the NFL. He was first drafted to the New York Giants and is now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He described Giants camp and practices as a “fun challenge that made him keep his head above the water and learn.”
“It’s an awesome experience and growth process,” said Jarron. “It all goes back to Biddy Basketball and playing with great talent. There was talent in Biddy and now I have the chance to play with the best of the best across the country.”
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Rochester wishes Jarron all the best in his career with the NFL!