James Jones on NFL's hoodie ban: 'Bigger and better things' need fixing
Jones, a free agent, might want to sign with a team in a warmer climate
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2 min read
When the NFL reportedly banned players from wearing hoodies underneath their jerseys last week, only one player really felt the full effect of that rule change: receiver James Jones, formerly of the Packers and currently a free agent, who debuted the hoodie last season in an effort to stay warm.
Speaking with ESPN Milwaukee (540-AM) on Friday, Jones expressed displeasure with the new rule, saying the NFL has more important issues to fix. Still, Jones won't fight the ruling.
The hoodie is retired.
"It was strictly just to stay warm, but it became a little good-luck charm and it wasn't harming anybody," Jones said, according to Packers News. "If it's because the hoodie covers the name, like they say ... you know, there's a bunch of guys in the National Football League that have got long hair and (it) covers their name. So I don't know the real reason, but (Commissioner) Roger Goodell and them, (maybe) they do it for safety reasons. I'm not mad, but I am kind of angry that they attacked the hoodie.
"We've got bigger and better things in our league that need to be fixed. But at the same time, you've got to respect it. I've never gone against any rules so it's not like I'm going to run out there with a hoodie and take the fine. I've got babies to feed. So the hoodie is officially retired."
So, Jones will need to find a new method to stave off winter during the upcoming season. Or, he'll need to latch onto a team situated in a warm climate that wouldn't require a hoodie in the first place.
"I knew that was going to happen, but I'm like, 'Man, why they picking on the hoodie?'" Jones said.
At this stage in his career, Jones can't thrive as top option, but he's still serviceable. After getting cut by the Giants on the eve of the 2015 season, Jones responded by catching 50 passes for 890 yards, and eight touchdowns in his return to Green Bay.
By the sound of it, he wants to remain with the Packers, even though that means he'll be forced to play through the grueling winter months.
"I would love to be back there playing football. I kind of was excited after the conversation I had with coach McCarthy," Jones said. "I kind of was excited that, shoot, me, Jordy and Randall would get back together with Aaron and do some damage but it didn't happen. But yeah, 100 percent, man, those are my brothers. I would love to play with this team and win another Super Bowl and finish my career out there. That was my goal; that's why I was grinding so hard last year to play so well so that I could finish my career off there and not have to move my family (wife Tamika and two young sons)."
