Kitwana Jones

Kitwana Shaloyd Jones (born July 7, 1981) is an American former professional football defensive end who played in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders as an undrafted free agent in 2005. Jones also played professionally for the Edmonton Eskimos and Montreal Alouettes. He played college football at the University of North Carolina and Hampton University.

Playing career

College football Jones started his college football career at the University of North Carolina (UNC), where he saw playing time as a true freshman in 2000. He played mainly on special teams at North Carolina. He also spent time practicing as a fullback. and then joined Hampton University for his final two seasons of college football. While at Hampton, Jones started 19 games, including 11 in his senior season. After his 2003 season, Jones was named All-Conference (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) and Division I-AA All-America.

Professional football Jones started his professional career in the Canadian Football League (CFL) when he was signed by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in March, 2005. Jones played in nine games for the Eskimos before being released. After his release, he had offers to join the Roughriders or the Montreal Alouettes, and Jones elected to sign back with the Roughriders. Roughriders director of player personnel Joe Womack admitted that trading Jones had been a mistake: "Eric (Tillman, Saskatchewan's GM) and myself and Ken (Miller, the Roughriders' head coach) admittedly probably made a mistake -- and that's OK to admit that; teams do it all the time." Jones also sees significant playing time on special teams, where he is considered by some to be among the CFL's best.

On May 7, 2012, Jones was released by the Alouettes.

Personal Jones grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he was one of ten children. Jones also spent a year at Fork Union Military Academy.

While Jones was with the Eskimos, he acquired the nickname 'Batman' after an incident in which he chased down and apprehended a mugger who had stolen a woman's purse. Jones said of the incident, "God just put me in a good place where I could help someone. He knows what kind of heart I have."