Cardale Jones Does Something Shocking And Turns Down The NFL To Return To Ohio State

At a press conference held at 4 p.m. EST, Ohio State quarterback Cardale Jones announced that he would not be entering into the NFL draft for the upcoming season, but instead he would be returning to the college to play football and finish his degree. This announcement may come as surprising to some considering Jones infamous tweet two years ago that seemed to imply he did not take his academics seriously at all.

Jones posted a tweet on his timeline saying as follows.

“Why should we have to go to class if we came here to play FOOTBALL, we ain’t come here to play SCHOOL, classes are POINTLESS”

Then Jones did what so many people were not expecting at his press conference and became an example for many parents and educators that preach about how academics should always come first. As reported by the Associated Press, Jones was quoted as saying the following.

“It’s everybody’s dream and goal when they play football or any collegiate sport to make it to the next level, but at my point in my career, I feel like it’s best for me to go back to school. One of the most important things for me to do is graduate.”

Jones is currently the 6-foot-5, 250-pound redshirt, Sophomore quarterback for the Buckeyes, but he may have his opportunity in the upcoming season. He is hot off an impressive three game run through the Big Ten Championship, Allstate Sugar Bowl semifinal, and College Football Playoff National Championship Presented by AT&T, amassing 742 passing yards and six total touchdowns (one rushing). According to ESPN, Jones was quoted as saying the following.

“After three games, [the NFL] was out of the question… A first-round draft pick means nothing to me without my education.”

Returning to the Buckeyes does not even guarantee Jones a starting position. He will be one of three talented quarterbacks that Ohio State coach Urban Meyer will have to choose from. Jones got his opportunity to play this year due to an injured J.T. Barrett, who played most of the season in place of Heisman Trophy candidate Braxton Miller, who was also out with an injury. As previously reported by the Inquisitr, Jones was very impressive in the National Championship game, passing for 242 yards, including one touchdown. He also had 21 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown.

While it remains to be seen if the decision to turn down the NFL will give Jones the playing time that he is looking for with the Buckeyes, it certainly shows that he really is thinking ahead towards his future, and not just looking for a paycheck. The dedication he has shown to his team, and his current dedication towards his academics, will make Jones a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field.

[Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports via Land Grant Holy Land]