Youth Encouraged by Former Football Player

ABES News Services

CAMBRIDGE – Children attending the summer youth program at the Empowerment Center on Pine Street got a special treat Thursday when former college football player Joseph Jones, a Cambridge City police officer, visited the group for Fun and Fitness Day.

Though Officer Jones led the children in a series of exercises, his goal was to inspire the youth to persevere in all their endeavors.

“They don't have to be a sports star, but they can excel in some other activities,” said Officer Jones, who graduated in 2000 with a Bachelors Degree in Recreation from Grambling State University, Louisiana, where he was part of the its football team, the Grambling Tigers.

Looking back on his college days, he said, “Grambling was a big reality check on how football is and how hard competition is to get to the next level.” He added that this applies to all life situations.

“It was a good school and a good learning experience. It helped me to pursue other things. It taught me never to give up, always keep striving, and never give in. Try, try again and try harder.”

He brings that message to youngsters as he leads them in calisthenics. “Even if they can't do a push up or a sit up, still try. You might have to a take break, but just don't quit and walk away,” he said.

Officer Jones added, “I used to work with kids for the State of Delaware. Working with kids is second nature, plus I love working with kids.

“When you work with kids you have to know what their ability level is. When you get older kids you can do more advanced and more difficult things. But when you have little kids you have to make it easy, simple and fun,” he said.

He said he also tells children, “Though you might not be very good at sports, if you love sports you can always do something related to sports.

“But education is the goal. No matter what you do, education is always a goal because education will make you go beyond and above, and enable you to achieve your goals. It's always a key and a plus, he said.

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