Jamie Dukes facts for kids

Jamie Donnell Dukes (born June 14, 1964) is a former American football player. He played as a center for 10 seasons. Jamie was part of the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and Arizona Cardinals. These teams are all in the National Football League (NFL). Before turning pro, he played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. In 1985, he was named an All-American.

Early Life and High School

Jamie Dukes was born in Schenectady, New York. He grew up and went to high school in Orlando, Florida. He attended Evans High School.

College Football Career

Jamie played as an offensive guard at Florida State. He became one of the best players in FSU history. In 1985, he was named a consensus All-American. This means almost every major sports group recognized him as one of the top players in the country.

From 1982 to 1985, Jamie started every single game. He played in a total of 48 games. His strong play helped lead the team during those four years. In 1991, Jamie Dukes was honored by being elected into the FSU Hall of Fame.

Professional Football Career

Even though Jamie was a star in college, he was not chosen in the 1986 NFL Draft. However, he still got a chance to play professionally. He started his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons in 1986. He played for the Falcons for eight seasons, until the end of the 1993 season. During his time in Atlanta, he played in 110 games.

After leaving the Falcons, Jamie signed a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. This was for the 1994 season. He started six games for the Packers that year. In 1995, Jamie signed another one-year deal. This time, he joined the Arizona Cardinals. He started eight games for the Cardinals. At the end of that season, Jamie Dukes retired from professional football. He finished his career having played in 124 games and starting 62 of them.

Life After Football

After retiring from playing, Jamie Dukes stayed involved with football. He has worked in television and radio. He also helps with different health and charity programs.

Television and Radio Work

In 2006, Jamie joined NFL Network. He became an analyst, sharing his thoughts on football games and news. He appeared on shows like NFL Total Access. He also contributed to NFL.com. Jamie has helped cover big events like the NFL Draft and the Pro-Bowl.

Later, Jamie became a popular host on a radio station in Atlanta, WZGC 92.9 FM The Game. In 2016, he started a podcast called "Ochocinco and Dukes Podcast" with fellow former NFL player Chad Johnson.

Health and Community Work

Jamie Dukes is a national spokesman for the NFL’s Healthy Heart Campaign. He also supports the Fitness Integrated with Teaching (FIT) Kids Act. This act helps promote fitness for children.

In 2009, Jamie and his wife, Angela Dukes, started the Put Up Your Dukes Foundation. This foundation helps people with their health. Jamie also led a program called the "Billion Pound Blitz Initiative." This program encouraged people to lose weight.

Jamie is also a Senior Vice President for Hydro One. This company makes healthy, vitamin-infused drinks.

Author and Charity

Jamie Dukes wrote a book called Frenemals. This book talks about family, friends, and self-awareness. It aims to help young people better understand themselves.

Jamie also works with different charities. He helped create a workout program called Chachersize for Men. He and his wife also helped raise money for children affected by HIV/AIDS through the Runway Red Celebrity Kids Fashion Show.