The David D. Jones
Legacy Foundation
Honoring the Game - Healing the Impact
David D. Jones
David Dennison Jones (1968–2023) was a record‑setting tight end at Delaware State University and an NFL player whose journey from Hillside High School to the Los Angeles Raiders reflected both talent and resilience. However, after the game ended, he faced a silent battle: depression, severe memory loss, tremors, seizures and a slow loss of mobility caused by many years of an undiagnosed brain trauma. His final act — donating his brain to science — became the spark for a movement to protect the next generation. His legacy lives on through The David D. Jones Legacy Foundation, which turns pain into purpose by supporting families impacted by CTE with faith, compassion and advocacy.
How Your Donation Works
The David D. Jones Legacy Foundation is currently supported through Cee-Jay Ministries, 501(c)3 nonprofit status. All donations made through this channel go directly to the foundation’s programs, outreach and advocacy efforts.
We are committed to transparency, stewardship and impact. If you have any questions about giving or would like to designate your donation for a specific initiative, please contact us directly.
Mission Statement
The David D. Jones Legacy Foundation exists to honor the life and legacy of David D. Jones by providing faith‑centered encouragement, educational resources, and community support for families impacted by Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and related neurological conditions. We are committed to uplifting families with hope, resilience, and advocacy, ensuring David’s story continues to inspire healing and change for generations to come.
Vision Statement
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We envision a world where every family impacted by CTE is supported with compassion, advocacy and hope.
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To honor legacy by transforming loss into lasting impact, ensuring families affected by CTE never walk alone.
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Building bridges between research, wellness and faith so families thrive beyond the challenges of CTE.
Why We Exist
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Families need more than medical care. They need hope, resilience and spiritual encouragement.
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CTE impacts entire households. Spouses, children and caregivers often feel isolated and overwhelmed.
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David’s legacy inspires action. His decision to donate his brain to research reflects his commitment to helping future generations.
What We Do
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Educational Speaking Engagements: Deliver educational speaking engagements at schools, universities and community events. Pastor CeeJay shares David’s story to raise awareness about concussion risks, CTE, and the importance of athlete safety and resilience.
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Protective Gear: Provide modern concussion-reducing protective gear to student-athletes in underserved communities — including helmets, mouthguards and other safety equipment. These life-saving tools are funded entirely through donations.
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Educational Information: Distribute educational materials to parents, coaches and students.
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Family Support: Support families navigating the emotional and financial toll of sports-related brain injuries.
🎤 Want to bring this message to your school or event?
How Contributions Are Used
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Hosting family support gatherings and retreats.
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In David’s honor, we supply proper helmets and mouth gear to young athletes in low‑income areas, replacing the outdated equipment which puts them at risk.
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Creating educational and inspirational resources (brochures, videos, online guides).
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Covering travel and outreach costs for speaking engagements.
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Providing small grants or stipends to families in crisis.
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Sustaining operations (website, communications, volunteer coordination).
Your Impact
Every dollar raised helps families find strength, hope and community in the face of CTE. Together, we can honor David’s legacy and ensure that his living was not in vain.
David's Story - Beyond the Pros
David Dennison Jones (born November 9, 1968) is an American former professional football tight end whose journey from high school standout to professional athlete reflects both talent and determination.
He began his football career at Hillside High School in Hillside, New Jersey, where his skills earned him recognition and a path to collegiate athletics. At Delaware State University, Jones became one of the most accomplished tight ends in team history. He ranks 12th among Delaware State tight ends and 12th overall with 101 receptions. In 1990, he set the school’s single‑season record for receiving yards, averaging 104.9 yards per game, and became the first player in team history to surpass 1,000 yards in a season (1,049). This milestone eclipsed the mark previously held by Hornet legend John Taylor.
Jones finished his collegiate career ranked 8th with 1,825 receiving yards and tied for 5th with 20 career touchdown receptions. His standout performances include the 3rd‑best single‑game mark in team history with 213 receiving yards against North Carolina A&T in 1990, along with other top‑ten games against Liberty and Bethune‑Cookman that same season. His excellence earned him recognition as a two‑time Black College Sports First Team All‑America (1989, 1990) and a three‑time All‑MEAC First Team honoree (1988, 1989, 1990). and a three‑time All‑MEAC First Team honoree (1988, 1989, 1990).
In 1991, Jones was selected by the San Diego Chargers in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. He went on to play for the Los Angeles Raiders in 1992, appearing in 16 games and recording two receptions for 29 yards. He briefly played for the Cleveland Browns before his NFL career ended.
The Hidden Battle: David’s Life After the NFL
While David D. Jones was celebrated on the field, his greatest battle came after the cheers faded. Like many athletes, he faced the silent toll of repeated head trauma — a struggle, which would shape the final chapter of his life.
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After retiring from the NFL, David began experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts — symptoms, which were difficult to explain but impossible to ignore.
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He battled alcoholism and struggled to maintain steady employment, often feeling lost without the structure and identity football once gave him.
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Over time, his condition worsened. He was diagnosed with Parkinsonism, a neurological disorder that caused severe tremors, making it difficult to eat, drink, or perform daily tasks.
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By age 50, David relied on a walker and wheelchair, his once-powerful body now fighting against him.
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The seizures were the most heartbreaking to witness — sudden, violent and relentless.
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Yet, through it all, David remained strong. His final act — donating his brain to the CTE Center at Boston University — was a selfless decision to help others find answers he never received.
David's story is not unique—and that is the tragedy. Through the David D. Jones Legacy Foundation, we are fighting to change that. From concussion education to mental health advocacy, we are building a future where athletes are protected, supported and never forgotten. David’s career reflects not only athletic achievement but also resilience and legacy — qualities, which continue to inspire the mission of The David D. Jones Legacy Foundation.
In the 1980s and 1990s, children often began playing contact sports at very young ages, long before safety changes were introduced. At the time, little was known about the long‑term effects of repeated head trauma. Many athletes began experiencing symptoms of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) years before reaching the professional level — some never played professionally at all. Repeated head trauma in youth, high school and college sports has left many families grappling with the same challenges David faced. By the time athletes reach the NFL, if they don’t already have CTE, the condition can become exasperated at the professional level.
(CTE) does not only affect professionals. In the early 1990s, little was known about (CTE). Many athletes began experiencing symptoms long before the condition was recognized, often while still in college or even youth sports. Without answers or support, many turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pain and confusion. This struggle is heartbreaking but unfortunately it is not unique — countless players face the same battles in silence.
This foundation exists to honor David’s life and to ensure others don’t have to suffer alone. David’s story is part of this larger reality. His struggle reminds us that CTE is not just an NFL issue but a community issue which touches families, schools and youth sports programs. By sharing his story openly, we hope to remove shame, raise awareness and ensure every family — whether their loved one played in college, high school or youth leagues — has access to compassion, resources and support.
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