CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Patrick Jones II loves football, and he wants to pass that love on to the next generation.
"I'm just trying to give the kids hope, show the kids the love for the game that I have. That's what it's all about," says Jones. The plan appears to come to fruition as he speaks, with a group of kids tossing a football yards away from where he speaks.
He also has a strong affinity for his alma mater, Grassfield High School. Jones was 1st Team All Tidewater as a senior at Grassfield, and led the Grizzlies to an 8-4 record and playoff appearance in 2016. Their season ended with a one point loss to local powerhouse Oscar Smith.
"I try to always stop by Grassfield. I come out here and see the football team, I come out here and see the track team," Jones speaks from the football field that he used to dominate. "I just always try to come by here and say what's up.
Combine those two loves and you get this afternoon's PJII Big Dawg Football Camp.
After an All American career at the University of Pittsburgh, a 3rd round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft and 3 years with the Minnesota Vikings, Jones is spreading that love for football in his Chesapeake community.
Around 170 kids showed up today for food, games and time with a professional football player that came from the same community as them. Jones hopes they walked away with a passion for the game that has taken him so far.
"I think it's great. This is my first camp, I think it's a great turnout. All the kids having fun. As the day goes on I can see the love of football growing for them."
The community came together with Jones to put on the camp, and the day has him looking forward to next year. "I want it to be even bigger. I want to come back next year and do it even bigger and better, have more kids come and just keep spreading the love for the game. It's just amazing being able to give back to the community."