Thankful Isn’t Even the Right Word: Christian Jones
8/18/2023
Every student at Cypress Woods High School knew Christian Jones was hungry for Texas, and it was no secret.
When Jones first got the call from The University of Texas, it was the beginning of his dreams coming true. As the sixth-year offensive lineman enters into his final season as a Longhorn, there’s a justifiable mix of sentimentality for his time on the Forty Acres coming to an end, along with an unmatched zeal for what comes next, and Jones is nothing but thankful.
“I’m thankful, just thankful,” Jones said. “I always wanted to come here, and had the opportunity to, (and then) had the opportunity to grow. I’m just thankful for being on the Forty. Thankful is not even the word I want to use… I’m more than thankful.”
Christian Jones’ first impression of Texas was a coach who visited him in a matching blue suit. To Jones, Texas was the real deal. In that moment, Jones thought, “This is Texas for real.”
The awe of getting to play at The University of Texas is an opportunity Jones does not take for granted. Jones’ family initially immigrated from Jamaica, where Jones still has family to this day. The seven-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll student-athlete recalls his mother, Stacey Hall, buying math and language books at Sam’s Club, bringing the books home to her kids to study during the summer months. Jones was in second grade.
“She would say, ‘Here! You cannot go outside until you finish 10 pages,’” Jones said.
As the story goes, the Cypress, Texas, native would go on to become a sports management major at The University of Texas. Hard work was ingrained within Jones from the very beginning and so was the importance of an education. Jones’ parents are first-generation college graduates, both having attended Prairie View A&M University.
During Jones’ six-year stint as a Longhorn, the 35-game starter has earned an Honorable Mention All-Big 12 selection, Academic All-Big 12 First Team honors and was named to the Academic All-Big 12 Second Team honors twice.
“Texas is world-class,” Jones said, still in awe after coming to the university six years prior. “Just being at UT, I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
On the field, Jones has accrued a vital role within the Texas offensive line, which helped the Longhorns rank in the top 25 in scoring offense last season, along with paving the way for Bijan Robinson to win the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s top running back and become an NFL first-round draft pick.
Jones’ decision to return to Texas for one final season is a decision he trusts in. The NFL Draft-eligible senior determined that he had “unfinished business to take care of” in 2023, deciding to return for Texas’ last season in the Big 12. To Jones, the decision to return would not be possible without the support of donors.
In early August, Jones was named to the Wuerffel Trophy watch list, an award given to the college football player who best exemplifies exemplary community service and academic and athletic achievement. The 2023 University of Texas at Austin Spring Commencement participant graduated with an additional degree: a Master’s of Education in Sport Management. The academic achievements speak for themselves, but Jones’ name on the watch list speaks to even more.
“I’m thankful, just thankful, I always wanted to come here, and had the opportunity to, (and then) had the opportunity to grow. I’m just thankful for being on the Forty. Thankful is not even the word I want to use… I’m more than thankful.”Christian Jones
Jones’ family and parents are in the business of community service, all having a heart for serving others. When asked about his draw to community service, Jones – with a wide grin – spoke to the opportunity to put a smile on someone’s face.
“I’m always big in community, that’s been instilled in me from a very young age in my family,” Jones said. “Service, always doing good for others, always trying to put your best foot forward for others … Texas allows me to do that on a bigger scale.”
The world-class education Jones has received parallels the world-class relationships he has made here on the Forty. With the support of donors, Jones is able to harness relationships with his fellow Longhorns – current students, student-athletes and alumni – who are willing to give their time and effort to pour into the academic and intellectual growth of student-athletes. Jones is forever grateful for that.
It’s evident that Jones will never forget about his six years as a Longhorn, and very few other things will ever match Jones’ experience and gratitude for Texas.
“To possibly be in the NFL and change my family lineage, that’s because of UT and that’s because they gave me this opportunity. I’ve come a very long way.”
For the right tackle, thankful isn’t even the right word, and that’s no secret.
