Former Heights Coach was Guest at Pro Bowl
Feb. 27, 2017 -- Heights High Physical Education teacher and former Heights football coach Mike Jones received a call from two of his former players in mid-January inviting him and his wife Angela to the NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando.
Heights High alumni and former high school football players Jason (L) and Travis Kelce (‘06 and ’08) wanted Coach Jones (center) to be part of the NFL’s Thank You Coach activities during the Pro Bowl weekend.
Jason plays for the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis plays for the Kansas City Chiefs and in the Pro Bowl, they were on opposing teams.
“It was pretty amazing,” said Coach Jones. “There were 50 high school coaches there and I was the only one with two players in the game.”
Before the game started, the NFL organizers instructed the high school coaches to line up on either side of the NFL logo in the middle of the field, AFC teams on one side and NFC teams on the other.
“They didn’t know what to do with me, they ended up putting me in the middle!” said Coach Jones. The game announcer called each player’s name and they ran onto the field to greet their coach. First the NFC teams (Jason) then the AFC teams (Travis).
Mike and Angela Jones with the Thank You Coach banner.
“The guys hugged me, it was a special moment, really fun,” continued Coach Jones.
The other NFL Thank You Coach activities included a welcome reception, workshops and networking opportunities, a meet and greet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and game seats in a VIP loge with the other honored high school coaches.
Coach Jones also spent a little time with both of his former players. What did the pro players say to thank their high school coach? “I talk to them both on a regular basis, but it was great to be there and share the moment,” said Coach Jones.
“They thanked me and our program for providing a consistent and caring place for them, for pushing them and for being a parent away from home.”
He also talks regularly with their parents.
Coach Jones speaks with pride about Jason and Travis. “They have grown to be best friends. They are mature young men who value family and doing good. They take care of each other,” he said.
The former high school coach communicates with both Jason and Travis every few months. “We talk about their opportunities and life after football,” he said. “They both worked really hard to do what they needed to do both on the field and off.”
“One of the things that we stressed in the program is that serving your community and connecting to your community is really important. I’m proud of Travis and Jason and Barry Cofield and all of our players who have gone on to contribute to communities everywhere,” said Coach Jones.