Cardale Jones Defends Decision to Earn Degree at Ohio State Rather Than Enter 2015 NFL Draft
By Michael Luciano
Former Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones became the martyr for all college football players that prioritize athletics over their schoolwork with his infamous "We ain't come there to play SCHOOL, Classes are POINTLESS" tweet from back in the day.
Still, when given the chance to jump to the NFL after his miraculous three starts during Ohio State's national championship season five years ago, Jones stuck around for one year before falling to the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2016 draft. Jones got his degree in the process, and to hear him tell it, he wouldn't change a thing if he had to do it over again.
I went back to OSU to finish school. Something I worked as hard on as my football career. I’m my own man and think for myself. Going back benefited me & my family LONG term. Educate yourself on the situation before commenting and spreading the wrong message. https://t.co/G0i3kiP9iJ
— Cardale Jones (@CJ1two) October 16, 2019
Jones' NFL dream is currently on hold, but his football career is still very much alive. Jones was allocated to the XFL's DC Defenders, and is poised to try and get another crack at the big time if he can play well in Vince McMahon's spring showcase.
? The 8 @XFL2020 assigned quarterbacks are here!
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) October 15, 2019
Who are you most excited to watch? pic.twitter.com/I2D4ipi4vD
Jones, who slipped out of the NFL after one game with the Bills and two seasons backing up Philip Rivers in Los Angeles, may not have been drafted as high as he could have been given his size and arm strength, but he carved out a pro career while getting his degree. For that, he should be commended-- no matter what he ends up doing in the XFL.