Kitwana Jones facts for kids
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| Born: | July 7, 1981 Wilmington, North Carolina |
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| Career information | |
| CFL status | International |
| Position(s) | Defensive end |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 240 lb (110 kg) |
| College | Hampton |
| High school | Emsley A. Laney (NC) |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 2005–2008 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2009 | Edmonton Eskimos |
| 2009–2010 | Saskatchewan Roughriders |
| 2011 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Career stats | |
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Kitwana Shaloyd Jones (born July 7, 1981) is a former Canadian football player. He was a strong defensive end who played for several teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL). These teams included the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Edmonton Eskimos, and Montreal Alouettes. Before playing professionally, Kitwana played college football at the University of North Carolina and Hampton University.
Contents
Kitwana Jones' Football Journey
College Football Days
Kitwana Jones started his college football journey at the University of North Carolina (UNC). He played on special teams there starting in 2000. He also practiced as a fullback.
Later, Jones joined Hampton University for his last two seasons of college football. While at Hampton, he started 19 games, including 11 in his senior year. After his 2003 season, Jones was recognized as an All-Conference player in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. He was also named a Division I-AA All-America player, which is a big honor!
Professional Football Career
Jones began his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in March 2005. He played his first game with the team in Week 10 of the 2005 CFL season. In his first CFL season, he made 15 tackles and had one quarterback sack.
In the 2006 season, Jones played both defense and special teams for the Roughriders. He finished that season with 31 tackles and eight quarterback sacks. He even recorded two sacks in a single game twice that year!
The Roughriders won the 2007 Grey Cup, which is like the championship game in the CFL. Jones played as a defensive end and linebacker, and also on special teams. During the Western Final game, he recovered two fumbles. In the 2008 season, Jones played defensive end full-time and led his team with five sacks.
Before the 2009 season, Jones was traded to the Edmonton Eskimos. He played nine games for the Eskimos before being released. After that, he chose to sign back with the Roughriders. The Roughriders' director of player personnel, Joe Womack, even said that trading Jones had been a mistake. Jones finished the 2009 season with 14 tackles.
Heading into the 2010 season, Jones continued to work hard. He knew he had to keep fighting for his spot on the team. He said, "I’m always the undersized guy at my position. There are things that I have to do to remain a Roughrider but I know that I’m in a fight. Then again, I’m always fighting." Jones also played a lot on special teams, where many people thought he was one of the best in the CFL.
On March 13, 2011, Jones signed with the Montreal Alouettes. He was later released by the Alouettes on May 7, 2012.
About Kitwana Jones
Early Life and Education
Kitwana Jones grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was one of ten children in his family. He went to Emsley A. Laney High School, which is also the high school of basketball legend Michael Jordan. Jones also spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy.
Community Work and 'Batman' Nickname
Kitwana Jones loves to help others. In the off-season, he spends time mentoring young people in his hometown of Wilmington who are facing challenges. During the football season, he also spends time with young fans who have special needs.
While Jones was playing for the Eskimos, he earned the nickname 'Batman'. This happened after an amazing incident where he chased down and helped catch a person who had stolen a woman's purse. Jones said about the event, "God just put me in a good place where I could help someone. He knows what kind of heart I have." This shows his kind and helpful nature both on and off the field.
