The inspiring tale of Jaashawn Jones

Jaashawn Jones carries loss of brother to keep NFL dream alive - The Bonus - SI.com

Interesting read about one of the UDFA's, Jaashawn Jones, a 6'1" RB out of small college Delaware State.

Experienced tragedy in his life, culminating with him witnessing the execution of his older brother by burglars. And no...before anyone starts to think his brother was involved with gangs and drugs, that was not the case. His brother simply owned a pet store, and bragged to the wrong girl about how much money he had, and the girl set him up to eventually be robbed by her friends.

During the robbery, Jaashawn went to visit his brother, and was looking down the barrel of a gun when he opened the door, both him and his brother then were tied up, and the robbers became impatient at not finding any money. His brother pleaded for Jaashawn's life, telling them: "My little brother is a football player, he has a bright future, you're problem is with me. Just give him a chance and let him live." The robbers then proceeded to execute his brother, right in front of him, then told Jaashawn to not move for 5 minutes or else they would kill him, then they left....letting him live.

Such a horrible tragedy, it is inspiring to see that not only did he not let that moment define his life or lead him down a bad path, he went on to college, got his education, and is now hoping for a shot in the NFL. And even if that does not work out, he still has plans to work in sports or coaching. Im really pulling for this kid, i hope he gets his shot at the NFL, with what he went through, he deserves it. So often we come across athletes who know their potential at an early age, and are given plenty of opportunities to make something of it, whether that is being at the right prep school, or getting into a football factory college, or what have you. Its good to see stories like this from time to time of those who truly do overcome alot in their lives for the chance to make something of themselves as a professional athlete.