Velus Jones Jr. didn’t take a standard path to the NFL. There were some unexpected twists and turns. Things seemed straightforward enough when he arrived at USC in 2016. He figured he’d work hard, wait his turn, and eventually get an opportunity to play. However, after three seasons, he still hadn’t managed to crack the starting lineup as a wide receiver. His fourth year in 2019 should’ve been his time. He caught six passes.
While interviewing for the Chicago Bears’ “Meet The Rookies” series on YouTube, Jones revealed that he harbored a dark secret during those days. He was battling depression at the time, breaking out into tears at random moments. He never told anybody about it. Not his family, not his friends, and not his coaches. The young man kept working. At last, he couldn’t take it anymore. Jones applied for a grad transfer to Tennessee.
Velus Jones was willing to stay patient.
Most players might’ve tried to reach the NFL despite those setbacks after four years. The receiver chose instead to stick it out in college. He wanted to prove to others and himself that he could play the position properly. Then COVID-19 hit. Despite a shortened season, he showed progress in 2020, but it wasn’t enough to generate NFL buzz. So Jones once again put going pro on hold to stay in school. Finally, in 2021, everything came together. He had over 800 yards receiving with seven touchdowns and was one of the best kick returners in the country.
The Bears selected him 71st overall in the draft. Despite everything he’d been through at USC, the mission was accomplished. He’d reached the NFL just like his mother kept saying he would. One journey ends, and another begins. Velus Jones knows reaching the league hasn’t silenced his doubters. Plenty of people struggle to see how he will do with only one good year of college under his belt and already being 25 years old. That is fine with him. If he can overcome that challenge, he can overcome this one too.
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