Former Michigan linebacker Dhani Jones was in Ann Arbor recently for the Mott takeover at WTKA studios. Jones along with many former Michigan players and coaches, were there to raise money for the kids and catch up on past glory on the gridiron.
“Well I think to be able to come back and interface with a lot guys you used to play with, also interface with a hospital that you care so much about… still being able to do so means a lot to myself and everybody else from all the teams that played here at Michigan,” Jones told GoBlueWolverine.com. “It was so ingrained in everything we did when we played here.”
“You talk about everything that happened on the field, you talk about everything that happened off the field, short stories that have come into your life since you have been apart… just kind of rebounding and learning about each other’s lives. As we progress and get older, obviously the stories will progress, continue, and become a little more embellished I’m sure.
A 11-year NFL veteran, Jones said when he chose the Wolverines as a high school recruit, football wasn’t the main reason.
Said Jones, “I think the most important thing I learned is when I saw the pamphlet with the block M on top of the globe, I knew that I wasn’t just attending a university, I was attending a force if you will. I think coach (Lloyd) Carr reiterated that. The University of Michigan is not just a university; it is a global presence that has people in every place. It’s a family, and that is what is so important about this weekend. Everybody has joined together and everybody has joined an awareness for Mott Children’s Hospital. Because they also understand that Mott Children’s Hospital is a global force in taking care of young people.”
Currently, Jones is focusing his attention on his non-for profit Bow Tie Cause, an organization he launched in May, 2010. According to bowtiecause.org the purpose was to create a platform that challenges others to rock a bow tie for a cause they believe in.
“It’s about raising awareness about Bow Tie cause,” Jones said. ”Giving back to different organizations. And really just telling stories. Cause stories carry on a legacy, and that legacy becomes history.”
To view the video interview in its entirety, press play below.