FOXBOROUGH, Mass – Jack Jones did not have any easy start to the 2023 season. 

It started after he was arrested on June 16 at Boston Logan International Airport for trying to bring two loaded firearms on a plane. He was arraigned in East Boston Municipal Court the following week, pleading not guilty to the charges.

Those charges followed him throughout all of training camp and the preseason, but were officially dropped ahead of the New England Patriots' season opener in September. 

Yet, just a few days later, Jones was placed on injured reserve to start the season with a hamstring injury, meaning he was out for at least four games. 

So between those two things, Jones had fears he would not be able to play again. 

“You kind of have that in your mind," Jones told A to Z Sports. "Especially when it’s a serious injury that has you out for weeks, you definitely have that in the back of your mind. But you don’t let that win. You gotta just keep fighting and keep going. Keep stacking days on top of each other and going in the right direction. 

“Every time you step on that field, it's a chance. It may be your last time stepping on the field," he added. "So you want to take every opportunity and every year seriously. You don’t want to take it for granted because like, at any moment, it could be taken away from you. So I mean it’s always a blessing to just get out there and play anytime you get a chance to run around on the field. It’s not one specific year, one specific reason, it’s every time.”

So it's safe to say that there was a lot of stress on Jones' shoulders as he prepared for the season. 

But on Oct. 21, he was activated prior to the Patriots' Week 7 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. And he helped the team get a crucial win over a divisional opponent. 

So with no legal issues or injuries holding him back, he is enjoying this part of the season where his sole focus is on football. 

“It’s good. It’s relaxing. Took some stress off of me," Jones said. "Not being able to play football, it’s kind of stressful, but blessed to have the opportunity to be back out here and play the same season I got hurt. So it’s a blessing. A lot of stress off my shoulders.”

Jones is in his second season with the Patriots after being drafted in the fourth round (121st overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft. He finished his rookie season with 30 total tackles (25 solo) with two interceptions and one touchdown.

So far this season, he has seven total tackles (four solo) and one pass defended across the two games he has been active for. And he is ready to continue to make waves throughout the second half of the season. 

With his experiences, Jones has a clear message to anyone else suffering through some setbacks. 

“Just stay positive, stay positive," he said. "Keep going. It’s going to get better and better days ahead if you keep going, but if you stop and quit, you’re never going to see the better days so just keep going, stay positive, and keep fighting for your team.”

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