Many critics were quick to label Jones as a bust

Things did not come easy for Thomas Jones who has struggled countless times throughout his career at the NFL level. However while most running backs careers wind down around their 30s, Jones seems to finally be in his prime.In college Thomas Jones was a highly regarded prospect out of the University of Virginia. Many considered him the best running back in that draft, and not surprisingly he was chosen in the top 10 by the Arizona Cardinals.In his three years with Arizona he never got a shot at starting, forced into a backup role in a very poor Arizona offense. Many critics were quick to label Jones as a "bust." Having lost faith in their former No.

1 pick, the Cardinals traded Jones to the Bucs for young receiver Marquise Walker, who is best known for not being known at all.It was in Tampa Bay that Jones salvaged his career. In his one year with the Bucs he rushed for 627 yards on on 137 careers posting a 4.6 average and 3 touchdowns. In 2004 at the age of 26 Jones rushed for 948 yards in 14 games. In the years to come Jones would leave the term "bust" behind, and become a model of consistency in the NFL.He went on to rush for 3,493 yards in three seasons with the Bears before being traded again to the New York Jets (in exchange for a second round pick swap).

Chicago had been expected to move Jones because the Bears front office decided that first round pick Cedric Benson would get his shot at being the guy in Chicago. The Jets coming off a 4-10 season were more than happy to take Jones off of the Bears hands.The Jets signed Jones to a three-year deal upon arrival, however Jones did not perform as expected at first In 2007 Jones experienced a difficult season with the Jets. Surpassing 1,000 yards but needing 310 carries (a 3.6 average) to do so, while only finding the end zone once on the ground, and once in the air. Considering most running back's careers wind down around age 30, at 29 many speculated that this was the end of Thomas Jones.