Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones officially announced his retirement on Wednesday after nine NFL seasons.
"I have truly been blessed to have worked with such wonderful people throughout my career," Jones said in a statement released through The IAm App and PitchEngine.com. "I would personally like to thank the entire Packers Organization, Packer Nation and particularly Ted Thompson, Mike McCarthy and Sammy Seal. I would also like to thank the Raiders Organization, my agents at Sun West Sports, Frank Bauer and Kenny Chapman, and everyone who believed in my talents which allowed me to continue playing the sport I love. Of course, none of this would be possible without the support and love from my wonderful mother, Janet Jones, my grandmother, Gram (Bernice Calhoun) and my beautiful wife, Tamika Jones."
Jones spent eight of his nine seasons with the Packers, including a breakout 2012 campaign that included 14 touchdowns — which led the NFL — on just 64 receptions. He also spent one season with the Oakland Raiders in 2014 before returning to Green Bay the following season.
Jones was a member of the San Diego (now Los Angeles) Chargers practice squad last season and was released in August. But the former Super Bowl champion already has big plans after his playing career.
"I'm pleased to announce that I was offered a position with the NFL Network, so I'm hoping to follow in the footsteps of other great Packer legends like Greg Jennings and Charles Woodson and take my talents into broadcasting. I admire what they have been able to achieve post-football, so if I can only do one-third of what they've accomplished, I should be fine." Jones continued, "I am also looking forward to dedicating more of my time to my charitable organization, Love Jones 4 Kids, which provides much needed financial help to homeless shelters. In the end, I want to help others, enjoy my retirement and continue to be grateful for my blessings. And, to Never Think About Failure!"
