Former Oregon Duck and Oakland Raiders Wide Receiver, Derrick Jones, chatted with us over the weekend about football, life, food and music. We asked him about his college experience as well as some random questions, but he was happy to answer all of them.
InHaleSports: You started your college career in Oregon, where you played under legendary college coach, Mike Belloti. What did you learn from your experience Oregon?
DJ: I had a great experience at Oregon. It definitely was a learning experience. I felt that I came in ready to play, but you know, sometimes you’re brought into situations because you need to grow as a person, and mentally. For me coming into the situation, coming to Oregon, I felt that I was ready to play. I felt that I should’ve been the starter right away, but there are politics to the games. Being a kid from the city, coaches always played the best kid, and going into college, I didn’t understand the politics, I felt that the best players should start, and being at Oregon that wasn’t always the case. It was a learning experience because you have to understand that it’s more to it than just you being able to play on the field. You have to be accountable when you’re on the field as well, and gain your coach’s trust.
InHaleSports: You used your speed to not only excel on the gridiron but also on the Track at Oregon, running on their track team. Had you ever thought about a career in track?
DJ: Yeah, I loved track. I started running when I was eight years old, so when I got to Oregon, my first sport was football, so track came second. I still ended up running in the 4×100 relay. We came in 5th place in nationals, and it was a great experience.
InHaleSports: How did you get to the University of California (PA)?
DJ: I was in the process of trying to find a school at either the D1 or D2 level. If I had gone D, I would’ve had to sit out a year. I ended up talking to my good friend Josh Portis. He was the quarterback, and once he reached out to me, that was all she wrote.
InHaleSports: What was your most memorable experience from U of Cal Pa?
DJ: I would say that just because it’s a Division 2 School, that doesn’t mean there isn’t talent there. We had great talent, and there were a couple guys that played on our team that are on NFL rosters right now. It was great competition, and it was surprising, because you wouldn’t expect it, especially coming from California to PA. In California, we’re pretty much all about football, but we had a lot of great players that came out of Pennsylvania and I loved it.
InHaleSports: You were not drafted, but eventually signed by the Raiders as an UFA. Coming into camp, did you have a chip on your shoulder because you had been looked over in the draft?
DJ: I had a chip on my shoulder, but I don’t think I was overlook. I had an agent who was new to the business, and he didn’t declare me for the NFL draft. A lot of coaches didn’t have me on their draft boards, but rather on the following years draft board. It kind of hurt my draft status and me. I still worked out for a lot of teams and my pro day was with the University of Hawaii. I ran a 4.35 [40 yard dash] there. I jumped a 42-inch vertical. I ran a 4.00 flat in the three-cone shuttle. I did pretty well, and Hue Jackson took a liking towards me. He pretty much told my parents that he was going to sign me and that’s what he did.
InHaleSports: Which player did you model your game after?
DJ: Randy Moss. I’m fast; he’s fast. I’m not short; I’m 6’1. I’m aggressive and I like to compete. While I’m out there I want show that I’m the best, just like he did.
InHaleSports: If you could change one thing about the NFL what would you change?
DJ: I would change the political aspect of it. I know it’s a business and I know that they have to pay their players, and get the most out of their guys for the money they’re giving them. I feel that they should kind of up the roster spots a little bit. It’d create more opportunities for a lot of great guys that don’t make the team, because of the political aspects of the game. I feel like they should give more opportunities to the players.
InHaleSports: What are you doing now? After your achilles injury in 2011 with the Raiders, did you continue play football in other leagues and if so where did you play?
DJ: Yeah I actually played in the AFL with the LA Kiss. I played a couple games with them, but I ended up tearing my other achilles, so it was tough. I’m back healthy right now, and currently I’m taking care of my son. I coach as well, so that’s what I’m doing. I wish I could get back on the field. If I had the proper opportunity to, I would love to, but you know how it is in these leagues.
InHaleSports: What’s your go to meal? Like something you have to eat at least once a week?
DJ: Fried chicken, mac and cheese and greens. Making myself hungry just thinking about it
InHaleSports: If you were trapped on a deserted Island, what are the three things you would bring with you?
DJ: A gun for sure. Probably water as well, and maybe like a machete. I feel like I could go out and hunt and provide for myself. Just need a little bit of protection, because you never know what kind of wildlife is out there.
InHaleSports: What would you listen to before the games?
DJ: It’s so many things. I’m a big Lil Wayne fan, so really anything by him.
InHaleSports: Like Da Drought 3?
DJ: Yeah, I loved Drought 3, one of the best mix tapes he has.
Derrick is not currently involved with any charities, but he is hoping to start a nonprofit organization for bone cancer research soon. Having lost two grandmothers to cancer, the issue is close to his heart and he wants to help end bone cancer.
