July 27, 2012; Jacksonville FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars fullback Greg Jones (33) stretches during the first day of training camp practice at Florida Blue Health
Though Greg Jones is one of the newest members of the Houston Texans this season, the fullback is no stranger to football at the professional level.
Jones, 32, is entering his ninth NFL season, as he’ll be looked at to be a lead blocker for superstar running back Arian Foster, backup Ben Tate and the rest of the cast of running backs on the roster.
The fullback played the first eight seasons of his career in Jacksonville, as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, never carrying the ball more than five times per season the past five seasons, as he was paving a path for top-running back Maurice Jones-Drew.
Jones’ best years in terms of yardage came his first three seasons in the NFL from, ’04-07.
Jones had 62 attempts for 162 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie in ’04, then followed that with a sophomore campaign of 575 yards and four touchdowns. In ’07 he had a season of 42 carries with 119 yards and two touchdowns.
Being one of the newest Texan players, Jones told the media Saturday he’s looking forward to this season.
“I’m looking real forward to it,” he said. “Just with the O-line and with the tight ends on the other guy and just be able to just contribute the way I can right now.
“I think everybody is coming back healthy and we can go out there and compete and put in a 100 percent out there it will be a big year for us.”
Since those first three years in the NFL, Jones hasn’t rushed for more than 23 yards in a season, as his duties on the field are more for protection of players, rather than rushing for yards and touchdowns.
Jones also spoke about overcoming injuries, as he didn’t play a full season in ’12.
“It’s a little tricky at times because sometimes you feel like you can do a little bit more than what your body can give you,” Jones said. “You just have to know to get off the gas a little bit and sometimes you got to push yourself. It’s a 16 game season, plus the playoffs, so it’s a long season. You just got to know. You got to know when to work and you got to know when to rest.”
Jones played in 12 games last season for a Jaguars team that finished 2-14. Before last season, Jones played in consecutive 16 game seasons. As the fullback he’s played in 12 or more games each season during his career, starting in four games last year.
Earlier, Jones spoke about the playoffs, something he’s not that accustomed to playing in Jacksonville. The fullback also talked about the differences of the Houston camp compared to Jacksonville.
“I think everybody knows where I’m coming from, so it’s real nice just to be in that conversation,” he said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us. It’s not granted to us so we just got to go out there and work.
“A little bit more fast-paced (Jones said of the differences of the two camps). Kub (Head Coach Gary Kubiak) takes care of the guys and just being in Jacksonville, it’s a good different. I’m enjoying myself and I’m taking it all in stride. It’s because he (Kubiak) don’t grind you. Back in the day in Jacksonville, we grinded a lot. He doesn’t really believe in that, so that’s why I say it’s a good different.”
(All quotes provided by Houston Texans transcripts at houstontexans.com.)