The David D. Jones Legacy Foundation
Honoring the Game - Healing the Impact
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 that 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 that 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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Family Support Sessions: Workshops, retreats, and peer groups offering encouragement and practical tools.
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Faith‑Centered Outreach: Speaking engagements, devotionals, and storytelling that strengthen resilience.
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Awareness & Advocacy: Campaigns that raise public understanding of CTE’s impact on families.
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Resource Connection: Helping families access NFL wellness programs, medical support, and community services.
How Contributions Are Used
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Hosting family support gatherings and retreats.
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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
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.