Adam Jones is offering a free camp.
There's no question about it now. Pro Bowl cornerback Adam Jones grew up in Atlanta, played college ball at West Virginia, and was drafted by Tennessee. But his home is Cincinnati and his free youth football camp at LaSalle High School on June 18 shows it and he wants to make it annual deal.
"I didn't have too many people do this when I was coming up," Jones said Tuesday. "Cincinnati is home for me. I have a base here. It's always good to give back to the people that have given a lot to you. I could do it in Atlanta, but I truly feel I owe an obligation to the city."
Jones, who has been here since 2010 and is signed up through 2018, has a simple goal.
"I hope a lot of kids from the neighborhood or the inner city kids interact with me and some of my teammates. We're just trying to give back to the city."
It is first come, first served with registration from 2-4 at the LaSalle football field for the first 400 players ages 8-14. The camp is from 5-9 p.m. with music, free food and instruction from Jones, many of the Bengals rookies, and some of the veterans.
"Hopefully the kids get there early and be a part of something special," Jones said. "I've seen a lot of guys do a lot of camps, but I think I'm one of the first ones to have an all free camp."
Jones says campers must register and sign a waiver. He says those who are closed out can come into the stadium and watch. Participants receive a medal and certificate, a team photo with Jones, and an autograph photo of Jones.
"And my top ten are going to get something that is pretty sweet," said Jones, who wouldn't elaborate.
