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Dhani Jones
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Dhani Jones
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Dhani Makalani Jones (born February 22, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 11 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines, earning All-Big Ten honors for three straight seasons. He was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft and played for the team for four seasons. Jones also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals. In addition to his football career, Jones hosted the Travel Channel series Dhani Tackles the Globe and the VH1 show Ton of Cash. Jones also was on the CNBC series Adventure Capitalists.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Jones was born in San Diego, California.[1][2] He attended middle school at Cabin John Middle School in Potomac, Maryland, where he played basketball. As a senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Jones was an All-Met, All-Western Region, and an All-County pick, and also was ranked the fifth best linebacker prospect in the Atlantic Coast Region despite missing most of the regular season with a ruptured disc he injured working out for Penn State earlier in the summer. Jones was also a varsity wrestler in high school, as well as a member of his high school's track team.[3]

College career

[edit]

At the University of Michigan, Jones was a three time All-Big Ten honoree. As a sophomore, Jones started nine games at linebacker and finished second on the team with 90 tackles and six sacks, playing alongside Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson on Michigan's 1997 national champion squad. As a junior in 1998, Jones started at linebacker and finished with 72 tackles. Jones moved to strong side linebacker as a senior in 1999, and finished second on the team with 81 tackles. Jones is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and is an initiate of the Epsilon chapter at the University of Michigan.

Professional career

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split Bench press
6 ft 1+1⁄8 in
(1.86 m)		 240 lb
(109 kg)		 32+1⁄4 in
(0.82 m)		 10 in
(0.25 m)		 4.68 s 1.65 s 2.72 s 29 reps
All values from NFL Combine[4]

New York Giants

[edit]

Jones was selected by the New York Giants in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL draft with the 177th overall pick.[5] He played with the team until 2003.

Philadelphia Eagles

[edit]

The Philadelphia Eagles acquired Jones from the Giants as a free agent in 2004. During Jones stint with the Eagles, he started in Super Bowl XXXIX. On April 30, 2007, the Eagles released Jones.[6]

New Orleans Saints

[edit]

On July 6, 2007, Jones signed with the New Orleans Saints, where he was thought to be able to push for a starting job. Jones, however, was released on September 1, 2007, during final roster cutdowns.[7]

Cincinnati Bengals

[edit]

On September 19, 2007, Jones signed a one-year contract with the Bengals. In the 2008 offseason, Jones signed a 3-year contract to return to the Bengals. Following the 2010 season, Jones' contract expired and he was not issued a new contract, so he became a free agent.

Jones retired in October 2011.[8]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2001 NYG 16 0 29 22 7 0.0 0 1 14 0 14 1 0 0 0 0
2002 NYG 15 14 82 60 22 0.0 8 1 1 0 1 4 0 2 0 0
2003 NYG 16 16 120 93 27 3.0 10 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 0
2004 PHI 16 15 72 49 23 0.5 7 1 0 0 0 5 0 1 0 0
2005 PHI 16 16 70 56 14 0.0 8 1 0 0 0 7 0 0 0 0
2006 PHI 16 13 76 55 21 0.5 4 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0
2007 CIN 14 9 90 59 31 1.0 5 0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0
2008 CIN 16 16 116 75 41 0.0 6 1 13 0 13 8 1 1 0 0
2009 CIN 16 16 113 77 36 3.5 9 0 0 0 0 4 1 2 0 0
2010 CIN 16 16 125 86 39 1.0 3 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0
157 131 893 632 261 9.5 60 5 28 0 14 44 6 7 0 0

Postseason

[edit]
Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles
GP GS Cmb Solo Ast Sck TFL Int Yds TD Lng PD FF FR Yds TD
2002 NYG 1 0 5 4 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2004 PHI 3 2 3 2 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0
2006 PHI 2 2 11 8 3 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 CIN 1 1 7 6 1 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 5 26 20 6 0.0 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

Post-playing career

[edit]

Dhani Tackles the Globe

[edit]

Jones was the star of Dhani Tackles the Globe, a series for the Travel Channel in which he learns how to play international sports that are unknown to most Americans. For example, in the first season he played rugby union for English club, Blackheath.[9] The show ran for two seasons.

Adventure Capitalists

[edit]

Jones was a host/investor on the series Adventure Capitalists. This series first aired on August 22, 2016, on CNBC. Jones and other investors listen to pitches and try out products from new entrepreneurs. Jones and the other investors decided if they would like to invest in the entrepreneurs outdoor/adventure company.

Business ventures

[edit]

In 2010, Jones opened the Bow Tie Cafe in the historic Mount Adams neighborhood of Cincinnati, which sells coffee, drinks, cafe sandwiches.[10]

Jones is a partner of VMG Creative, a New York City creative agency, with clients such as Michael Kors, Capital One, Estee Lauder, P&G.[11]

Jones founded a creative agency, Proclamation, based in Cincinnati, and is chairman of Qey Capital Partners, an investment fund, both based in Cincinnati.[12][13][14]

Jones is the CEO of Petram Data, a Company that uses pre-trained AI Models to reduce marketing spend and improve customer retention[15]

Personal life

[edit]

In addition to his prowess as a professional athlete, Jones has shown a variety of skills off the field. Jones founded a company that sells high-end bowties, and he also wrote movie reviews and commentary for Page 2 on ESPN.com.

Jones is also an avid cyclist, using his fixed-gear bicycle to commute to practices and games throughout the year.[16] He also participated in the cycling leg of the Durham Doughman Challenge on Travel Channel's Man v. Food. The challenge was a team quadrathlon consisting of running, swimming, cycling and food eating.

On June 7, 2011, Jones' book, The Sportsman: Unexpected Lessons from an Around-the-World Sports Odyssey, was released. The book talks about his experiences in football, travel, and life in general.[17]

Jones is committed to several Cincinnati, OH charities and nonprofits. Among other positions, he serves on the boards of Breakthrough Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Art Museum.[18] Jones founded a philanthropic organization, BowTie Cause, in 2010.[19][20]

Television

[edit]

Playbook360 (2011–2016) - Host - Spike

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dhani Jones

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Dhani Jones (born February 22, 1978) is an American entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, television host, and former professional football player who spent 11 seasons as a linebacker in the (NFL). Born in , , to a U.S. Navy family, he was raised in and attended Winston Churchill High School before playing at the , where he earned All-American honors as a linebacker and contributed to the Wolverines' 1997 national championship team. Selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Jones played for the Giants from 2001 to 2003, the Philadelphia Eagles from 2004 to 2006, briefly signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2007, and the Cincinnati Bengals from 2007 to 2010, appearing in 157 games and recording 893 tackles, 9.5 sacks, five interceptions, and seven fumble recoveries over his career. After retiring from the NFL, Jones transitioned into media and business, hosting the Travel Channel series Dhani Tackles the Globe from 2009 to 2010, in which he explored global sports and cultures, and later serving as an investor on CNBC's Adventure Capitalists and Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch. As an entrepreneur, Jones co-founded the investment firm Qey Capital in 2014, where he serves as chairman, focusing on diverse and scalable businesses in finance, marketing, and data analytics. He also established the philanthropic organization BowTie Cause in 2010, which designs and sells bow ties to support charities, raising significant funds for various causes, and founded creative agencies including VMG Creative and Proclamation to aid brands in cross-cultural marketing. Jones holds board positions with Outside Media, Washington Nationals Philanthropies, and serves on the external advisory board of Fannie Mae, while continuing to advocate for diversity in business and sports as of 2025.

Early life and education

Early years

Dhani Jones was born on February 22, 1978, in San Diego, California, to parents Samuel and Nancy Jones, both of whom served in the U.S. Navy—his father as a commander and his mother as a lieutenant commander. His family, including younger sister Akila, frequently relocated due to his parents' military assignments, living in places such as naval bases in Japan, California, and eventually settling in the Potomac, Maryland, area during his elementary school years. Jones's family background instilled a sense of curiosity and adaptability, shaped by his parents' service and their own education as graduates of the . Growing up in a military household emphasized discipline and exploration, influencing his early development as an athlete and scholar. During his time at High School in , Jones emerged as a multi-sport standout, participating in football, wrestling, and , where he earned nine varsity letters across the disciplines. He received All-Met honors in both football and wrestling, along with All-County recognition, and qualified for state competition in track events, highlighting his versatility as a high school athlete. Academically, Jones excelled at Winston Churchill, balancing rigorous coursework with his athletic pursuits and earning induction into the school's Hall of Fame for his contributions in multiple areas. This early recognition as a well-rounded talent paved the way for his transition to college athletics at the University of Michigan.

College career

Dhani Jones enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1996, where he pursued a self-designed major in self-representation through the Residential College, graduating with honors in 2000. As a freshman, he redshirted the 1996 season to develop further as a linebacker. Jones emerged as a key defensive contributor during his year in , starting nine games and anchoring the linebacker corps for the undefeated , who captured the national championship with a 12-0 record, including a 21-16 victory over Washington State in the Rose Bowl. He recorded 90 total tackles (62 solo, 28 assisted), six sacks for 36 yards, and one , helping the defense limit opponents to just 10.1 . His earned him first-team All-Big Ten honors that season. In 1998 and 1999, Jones continued as a starter, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and reliable linebacker. During the 1998 season, he tallied 72 tackles (45 solo, 27 assisted) and three sacks for 19 yards, contributing to a 10-3 team that reached the . The following year, as a senior, he posted 81 tackles (56 solo, 25 assisted) and three sacks for 26 yards, earning second-team All-Big Ten recognition and helping to a 10-2 record and an appearance. Jones received All-Big Ten honors for all three of his starting seasons (1997–1999). To cap his college career, Jones participated in the 2000 , showcasing his skills against top prospects. Over his three active seasons, he amassed 243 total tackles, including 12 sacks and one across 37 games, establishing himself as one of Michigan's standout defenders during a successful era for the program.

Professional career

New York Giants

Dhani Jones was selected by the in the sixth round (177th overall) of the out of the , where his All-Big Ten honors as a senior bolstered his draft stock. As a in 2000, Jones appeared in all 16 regular-season games without a start, primarily serving in a special teams role where he recorded 28 combined tackles. He contributed on special teams during the Giants' postseason run that year, which included a 41–0 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the and an appearance in , a 34–7 loss to the . Jones's role expanded gradually over the next three seasons, transitioning from a rotational defender and special teamer to a full-time starter. In 2001, he played all 16 games with 29 tackles and his first career . By 2002, he started 14 of 15 games, tallying 82 tackles and another while helping the Giants secure a wild-card playoff berth, though they lost 39–38 to the . In 2003, Jones started all 16 games at right linebacker, achieving career highs with 120 tackles and 3 sacks. Over his four seasons with the Giants, he appeared in 63 games with 30 starts, accumulating 259 combined tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions. Following the 2003 season, Jones became an unrestricted and signed a five-year, $12.5 million contract with the on March 9, 2004.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jones signed with the as a on March 9, 2004, leaving the New York Giants after four seasons to join a contending team on a five-year, $12.5 million contract. His prior experience with the Giants had built his versatility as a linebacker, allowing him to adapt quickly to the Eagles' defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Johnson. From 2004 to 2006, Jones established himself as the starting middle linebacker, appearing in all 48 regular-season games and starting 44 of them. Over this period, he amassed 218 combined tackles, 1.0 sack, and 2 interceptions, contributing to a stout Eagles defense that ranked among the NFL's top units in points allowed. In the season, his first with , Jones recorded 72 tackles and an interception while helping the team achieve a 12-4 record and secure the NFC's top seed. The following year, in 2005, he notched 70 tackles as the Eagles finished 6-10 amid offensive struggles but still relied on his consistent play in the middle of the defense. By 2006, Jones elevated his production with 76 tackles, supporting a 10-6 campaign that earned a wild-card berth. Jones's tenure coincided with three straight playoff appearances, including a standout run in 2004 when the Eagles advanced to , defeating the in the before falling 24-21 to the . He started in that , logging 2 tackles in the loss, and also played in the 2005 divisional playoff defeat to the and the 2006 wild-card loss to the . These postseason efforts highlighted his role in a defense that pressured quarterbacks effectively, with Jones often tasked with run-stopping duties and coverage assignments. The Eagles released Jones on April 30, 2007, as part of roster adjustments to accommodate younger linebackers and shifts in the defensive scheme, freeing up approximately $1.55 million in space. Despite the departure, his three seasons in marked his most consistent starting role in the , solidifying his reputation as a reliable tackler during a competitive era for the franchise.

New Orleans Saints

In July 2007, Dhani Jones signed a one-year contract with the as a veteran free agent linebacker, aiming to compete for a depth role behind starters like . During and the preseason, Jones participated in five exhibition games, where he contributed eight tackles, including one sack, while vying for a spot on the 53-man roster. The Saints released Jones on September 1, 2007, as part of final roster cuts, ending his brief tenure with the team before the regular season began; he did not appear in any regular-season games for New Orleans.

Cincinnati Bengals

After his release from the Saints, Dhani Jones signed a one-year contract with the on September 19, 2007. He appeared in 14 games that season, starting 9, and recorded 90 combined tackles and 1 sack, quickly establishing himself as a rotational linebacker and special teamer before taking on a larger role. In the 2008 offseason, Jones re-signed with the Bengals on a three-year contract. He started all 16 games in 2008, tallying 116 combined tackles and 1 interception, and anchored the middle of the defense for a team that finished 4-11-1. The following year, in 2009, Jones again started all 16 games, leading the defense with 113 tackles and a career-high 3.5 sacks, contributing to an 10-6 record and a wild-card playoff berth, though the Bengals lost in the divisional round to the . Jones entered his final NFL season as the starting middle linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals in 2010. He appeared in all 16 games, starting every one, and led the Bengals' defense with 125 total tackles (86 solo) and 1.0 sack, contributing significantly to the unit's efforts despite the team's 4-12 record. His consistent performance underscored his adaptability from prior defensive schemes with other teams, allowing him to anchor the middle of Cincinnati's linebacker corps effectively. Throughout his tenure with the Bengals from 2007 to 2010, Jones served as a key leader on the defense, mentoring younger players like and by providing on-field guidance and vocal direction during practices and games. His veteran presence helped foster a more cohesive unit among the youthful linebacker group, often acting as a coach on the field to communicate alignments and adjustments in real time. In May 2010, while with the Bengals, Jones founded the BowTie Cause as a philanthropic initiative to support underprivileged youth through education and programs. On October 11, 2011, Jones announced his retirement from the after 11 seasons, stating his desire to pursue broader interests in media, , and beyond professional football. This decision came after his expired following the 2010 season, allowing him to transition fully into his multifaceted post-playing career.

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Dhani Jones played as a linebacker in the NFL from 2001 to 2010, appearing in 157 regular season games and starting 131 of them across three teams (, , and ). His career totals include 893 combined tackles (632 solo and 261 assisted), 9.5 sacks, 5 s, 6 forced s, and 7 recoveries. Jones's performance evolved from a rotational player early in his career to a consistent starter, with his tackle numbers peaking in his later seasons. In 2001, his rookie year with the , he recorded 29 combined tackles and 1 in 16 games without a start. By 2002, still with the Giants, he started 14 games and amassed 82 tackles, including 1 and 2 recoveries. His breakout came in 2003, starting all 16 games for 120 tackles (93 solo), 3 sacks, 1 forced , and 1 recovery. After joining the in 2004, Jones started 15 games and posted 72 tackles (49 solo), 0.5 sacks, 1 , and 1 fumble recovery. In 2005, starting all 16 games, he achieved 70 tackles (56 solo) and 1 . The following year, 2006, he started 13 of 16 games for 76 tackles (55 solo) and 0.5 sacks. With the starting in 2007, Jones appeared in 14 games with 9 starts, recording 90 tackles (59 solo), 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles. In 2008, he started all 16 games for 116 tackles (75 solo), 1 , 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovery. His 2009 season included 16 starts and 113 tackles (77 solo), 3.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 recoveries. Jones concluded his in 2010, starting all 16 games for a career-high 125 tackles (86 solo), 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble.
YearTeamGames (GS)Solo TacklesAst. TacklesComb. TacklesSacksINTFFFR
2001NYG16 (0)227290.0100
2002NYG15 (14)6022820.0102
2003NYG16 (16)93271203.0011
2004PHI16 (15)4923720.5101
2005PHI16 (16)5614700.0100
2006PHI16 (13)5521760.5000
2007CIN14 (9)5931901.0020
2008CIN16 (16)75411160.0111
2009CIN16 (16)77361133.5012
2010CIN16 (16)86391251.0010
Career-157 (131)6322618939.5567
As a versatile linebacker, Jones primarily lined up on the weak side (WLB/RLB) early on before shifting to middle (MLB) and strong side roles later, contributing to run defense and coverage throughout his tenure. His progression from limited snaps in 2001 to full-time starter status by 2003 reflected increasing trust in his tackling reliability and pass-rush ability, though detailed snap count data from his era is limited.

Postseason

Dhani Jones appeared in seven postseason games over his NFL career, recording 26 combined tackles with no sacks or forced fumbles. His playoff contributions highlighted a transition from special teams duties to a more prominent rotational and starting role on defense, particularly during his time with the . In the 2002 postseason, Jones started for the in their wild-card loss to the , where he made five tackles. This appearance underscored his early-career utility in high-pressure situations, drawing from his consistent regular-season special teams play. By 2004, after joining the Eagles, his role expanded; he started one of three playoff games, the NFC Championship victory over the (3 tackles) that advanced Philadelphia to . In the Super Bowl loss to the , Jones appeared but recorded no tackles. Jones's most productive playoff stretch came in 2006 with the Eagles, where he started both games and tallied 11 tackles, highlighted by eight stops in the divisional-round loss to the —a defensive effort that helped keep the game close despite the defeat. His performance in that NFC matchup demonstrated growing impact as a middle linebacker in intense, late-season contests. Later, in the 2009 wild-card loss with the to the , Jones started and led his unit with seven tackles, providing veteran leadership in a short-lived playoff run. Overall, while his teams—Giants (0-1), Eagles (3-2), and Bengals (0-1)—did not advance beyond the divisional round except for the 2004 Eagles' NFC title win, Jones's steady presence added depth and reliability in pivotal moments.

Post-retirement activities

Media and broadcasting

Dhani Jones hosted the Travel Channel series Dhani Tackles the Globe, a documentary series that aired for two seasons from 2009 to 2010, where he journeyed worldwide to immerse himself in local sports and cultures while still an active player. In the show, he trained in disciplines such as , the Afro-ian martial art blending dance and combat, during a visit to , and kickboxing in , highlighting how these activities revealed insights into community and resilience. The series, which featured 20 episodes across both seasons, emphasized Jones's hands-on approach to understanding international athletic traditions. Following his retirement from the in 2011, Jones continued in media and broadcasting, leveraging his athletic background and global travels to host shows that blended , adventure, and cultural exploration. From 2011 to 2016, Jones hosted Playbook 360 on Spike TV (now ), a program offering advice on fitness, sports training, and performance enhancement through interviews and demonstrations with athletes and experts. The show covered topics like workouts and rugby techniques, positioning Jones as a guide for viewers seeking to elevate their physical and mental game. In 2016, Jones appeared as an investor on CNBC's Adventure Capitalists, a single-season series where he, alongside fellow panelists, evaluated innovative outdoor gear and business pitches by testing products in extreme conditions. His role focused on assessing the practicality and market potential of inventions like adventure apparel and equipment during on-location trials. Jones also authored The Sportsman: Unexpected Lessons from an Around-the-World Sports Odyssey in , a co-written with Jonathan Grotenstein that chronicled his global adventures and the personal growth derived from engaging with diverse sports and cultures. The book drew directly from his experiences on Dhani Tackles the Globe, offering reflections on themes like adaptability and perspective beyond professional football. In recent years, Jones has continued his media presence, serving as emcee for the NFL Players Association's Pitch Day event in February 2025, where he moderated discussions on sports innovation and . Additionally, in 2024, he guested on the "Life After Football" , sharing insights on post-NFL transitions and diversification.

Entrepreneurship

Following his NFL retirement in 2011, Dhani Jones transitioned into , leveraging his experiences in and media to build a portfolio of ventures in , , and . His early for-profit endeavors emphasized and creative branding, reflecting a strategic approach to that prioritized long-term . In 2010, while still active with the , Jones co-founded Bow Tie Cafe in Cincinnati's Mount Adams neighborhood, partnering with Caveh Azadeh and Grammas to create a community-oriented coffee shop serving coffee, craft cocktails, and bistro fare. The cafe, located at 1101 Saint Gregory Street, aimed to foster local connections through its casual atmosphere and focus on quality experiences, drawing inspiration from Jones's personal affinity for bow ties. That same year, Jones established VMG Creative in alongside Executive Luke Raymond, forming a full-service and firm specializing in interactive for the , sports, and hospitality sectors. The agency developed digital strategies to build global brand engagement, with Jones contributing to and creative direction. Jones later co-founded , a Cincinnati-based creative agency emphasizing cross-cultural consumer experiences, in partnership with Jeff Warman in 2012. The firm focused on brand movement and content creation before its acquisition by Empower Media in 2016, after which Warman joined Empower as executive creative director. In 2018, Jones launched Petram Data (now Petram Analytics) in as CEO, co-founding the AI-driven marketing firm with Jibreel Lockhart, Thiag Loganathan, and John Michael Bastos to utilize on consumer data from over 10 million Americans. The platform helps businesses identify acquisition opportunities and influence purchases through proprietary insights, marking Jones's entry into data analytics for enhanced customer experiences. By 2019, it was recognized in CNBC's Upstart 100 for its innovative approach. Jones transitioned to a strategic advisory role, supporting the firm's growth in building data teams for business success. As chairman and co-founder of Qey Capital Partners since 2014, Jones leads the Cincinnati-based investment firm, which focuses on scalable businesses with an emphasis on diversity and long-term strategies in . The firm supports portfolio companies through strategic consultancy, drawing on Jones's expertise in fostering sustainable growth. Jones has actively invested in startups through his role on CNBC's Adventure Capitalists series, where he evaluated outdoor-themed innovations as one of three investors alongside figures like . His participation in the show, which aired starting in , highlighted his interest in high-potential ventures blending adventure and . In an advisory capacity at Stand Together, Jones contributes to initiatives promoting community support and business innovation, including hosting Instagram Live events during the COVID-19 pandemic to feature discussions with athletes and leaders on resilience and fundraising. As of 2025, Jones continues to engage in entrepreneurial ecosystems, moderating the Center for Audit Quality's (CAQ) Talent Updates events, such as the January sessions in Washington, D.C., where he facilitated fireside chats with NFL players and accounting professionals to inspire diverse career paths in the field. He also serves as an investor on Entrepreneur Media's Elevator Pitch series, evaluating pitches in 60-second boardroom sessions for Season 13, alongside Kim Perell and Jon Bier.

Philanthropy and advocacy

In 2010, Dhani Jones established BowTie Cause, a philanthropic organization that designs and sells bow ties to raise funds for various nonprofits, with a particular emphasis on supporting charities in . The initiative draws inspiration from Jones's personal experiences, including a childhood friend's battle with illness, and has generated support for causes ranging from health awareness to . Jones has partnered with Café Momentum, a program providing culinary training and mentorship to justice-involved youth, participating in events from 2023 through 2025 that highlight rehabilitation and skill-building opportunities. He has also collaborated with the Players Coalition on social justice initiatives, including joint activations focused on criminal justice reform and youth empowerment during Super Bowl weeks. These efforts culminated in a 2025 Super Bowl media event with the Stand Together Foundation, promoting community safety and second-chance programs through pop-up dining and discussions. As an for the Stand Together Foundation, Jones advocates for community-driven solutions to social challenges, and he serves as an advisor on , leveraging his background to promote pathways for underserved individuals. His NFL alumni status has amplified the reach of these advocacy efforts, connecting him with broader networks in sports and . Jones engages in speaking engagements on and purpose, including appearances at the Conference to discuss empowerment and opportunity. In 2025, he hosted an series featuring conversations with influencers on these themes, fostering public dialogue on personal and professional growth. Through affiliations with the U.S. Pain Foundation, Jones has supported pediatric pain initiatives, notably via BowTie Cause's collaboration on a custom for the Pediatric Pain Warrior Program, which aids children with and their families.

References

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  3. https://www.athletespeakers.com/speaker/dhani-jones
  4. https://www.cnbc.com/dhani-jones/
  5. https://www.ciceroaction.org/about/dhani-jones/
  6. https://qeycapital.com/who-we-are/
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  8. https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/29/sports/on-pro-football-the-renaissance-man-is-a-giants-linebacker.html
  9. https://www.morganstanley.com/ideas/carla-harris-dhani-jones-qey-capital-access-and-opportunity-podcast
  10. https://vault.si.com/vault/2004/11/22/hes-no-tackling-dummy
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  13. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/famous-athletes-surprising-college-majors/
  14. https://www.huffpost.com/author/dhani-jones
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  16. https://mgoblue.com/sports/2017/6/16/football-stats-1997.aspx
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  34. https://www.bengals.com/news/bengals-sign-dhani-jones-722157
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  36. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneDh20/gamelog/2007/
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  40. https://www.bengals.com/news/change-name-of-game-399004
  41. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2018/12/12/cincinnati-bengals-vinny-rey-dhani-jones-marvin-lewis/2289814002/
  42. https://www.cincyjungle.com/2011/10/11/2484119/dhani-jones-announces-his-retirement
  43. https://www.stxavier.org/cf_news/view.cfm?newsid=697
  44. https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/dhani-jones-retires
  45. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JoneDh20/gamelog/post/
  46. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200502060nwe.htm
  47. https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/dhani-tackles-the-globe/1000399914/
  48. https://www.wsj.com/articles/BL-SEB-32344
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1428477/
  50. https://ir.paramount.com/static-files/10c406df-4e4c-4556-8d3c-98a1f7c21dc9
  51. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3YFJ1CrEyU
  52. https://www.cnbc.com/adventure-capitalists-about/
  53. https://www.cnbc.com/video/2017/10/04/adventure-capitalists-dhani-jones-profile.html
  54. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/dhani-jones/sportsman/
  55. https://nflpa.com/partners/posts/vrtl-wins-2025-nflpa-pitch-day
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOeR3nbklbc
  57. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhanijones
  58. https://www.linkedin.com/company/bow-tie-cafe
  59. https://digitalexcellenceawards.com/agencies/vmg-creative-new-york
  60. https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2016/11/11/one-of-cincinnati-s-largest-marketing-firms.html
  61. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/12/petram-data-cnbc-upstart-100.html
  62. https://www.petramanalytics.com/team
  63. https://standtogether.org/stories/insights/stand-togethers-instagram-live-show-st-live
  64. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/umsbc_the-michigan-sport-business-conference-is-activity-7380998569736187905-nxZh
  65. https://www.thecaq.org/aia-strengthening-the-accounting-pipeline-caq-talent-updates
  66. https://www.entrepreneur.com/video/series/elevatorpitch
  67. https://bowtiecause.com/about/
  68. https://www.citybeat.com/news/to-rock-a-bowtie-12176869/
  69. https://philasun.com/entertainment/fashion-food-and-football-meet-philanthropy/
  70. https://standtogether.org/newsroom/strong-safe-communities/cafe-momentum-players-coalition-stand-together-foundation-to-host-super-bowl-media-center-event
  71. https://www.blackenterprise.com/nfl-players-and-former-juvenile-offenders-teamed-up-for-super-bowl/
  72. https://standtogether.org/newsroom/strong-safe-communities/nfl-inspire-change-players-coalition-cafe-momentum-and-stand-together-foundation-host-super-bowlr-food-truck-pop-up-and-activation-to-build-national-awareness-around-our-current-juvenile-justice-system
  73. https://www.instagram.com/d0057/?hl=en
  74. https://sportsphilanthropynetwork.org/players-coalition-at-super-bowl-56-building-momentum-with-a-new-model-for-juvenile-justice/
  75. https://conference.iamempowered.com/users/dhani-jones
  76. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLBirznuxWQ/?hl=en
  77. https://uspainfoundation.org/pediatricpainwarriors/
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