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.
Young David
David and his siblings
David’s Story – The Heart Behind the Foundation
My brother David loved football until the day he died.
Even when others around him began to question the sport, David never did. He watched every game, every draft, every season. Football wasn’t just something he played—it was something he truly loved.
David was tall, handsome, charismatic and incredibly funny. He had a sarcastic sense of humor that could make anyone laugh. Being around him was always an experience and he is deeply missed by everyone who knew him.
One of my favorite memories of David happened Thanksgiving 2022, our last holiday with David. My grandson was only six months old at the time, sitting on his uncle David’s lap, watching football on television. He sat there quietly watching the screen, completely focused. We all laughed because it seemed like he already loved the game too.
Today my grandson is almost four years old and he’s exactly like David, in so many ways. He’s fascinated by football and it’s not just his love of the game that reminds us of David. Even at his young age, he has the same kind of playful, sometimes crazy sense of humor that David had. That same personality, that same spark. When we see it, it’s like seeing a little piece of David still with us.
However, before David passed, he said something that changed everything for our family. He asked us not to let my grandson play football and end up the way he did.
David had been battling symptoms that were linked to undiagnosed CTE. At the time, like many athletes of his generation, he didn’t fully understand the risks that repeated head trauma could have on brain health.
That is why the David D. Jones Legacy Foundation was created.
This foundation is not about attacking football. David loved the game and we respect what it meant to him. Our mission is about education and awareness—making sure young athletes, parents and coaches understand the risks, so they can make informed decisions about brain health.
If the next generation of athletes is going to love the game the way David did, they deserve the knowledge that previous generations did not have.
Because when it comes to brain health, once it’s gone, it’s gone.
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 educating athletes, families and communities about CTE and brain health, so the next generation can make informed decisions about their future in sports.
Vision Statement
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A future where every athlete understands the importance of brain health and where CTE is openly discussed, no longer ignored or misunderstood.
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Families impacted by CTE are supported with compassion, advocacy and hope.
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David’s legacy transforms loss into lasting impact for future generations.
Why We Exist
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Education & Awareness
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Speaking & Community Engagement
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Athlete Brain Health Advocacy
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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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Education and Awareness: Providing resources that help athletes, families and communities understand CTE and brain health.
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Speaking & Community Engagement: Sharing David’s story at schools, universities, churches and community events to inspire informed conversations.
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Athlete Brain Health Advocacy: Encouraging a culture where protecting brain health is as important as competing in the game.
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Athlete Safety Initiative: Working to provide modern concussion-reducing protective gear to student-athletes in underserved communities, including helmets, mouthguards and other safety equipment. These resources help ensure that every athlete has access to the protection they deserve.
🎤 Want to bring this message to your school or event?
How Contributions Are Used
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Provide modern protective equipment for student-athletes in underserved communities, including helmets, mouthguards and other safety gear.
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Create educational resources such as guides, videos, and awareness materials that help athletes and families understand brain health and the risks of head trauma.
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Expand community outreach and speaking engagements, allowing us to share David’s story with schools, universities, churches and athletic organizations.
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Sustain the foundation’s work, including website resources, communications, and volunteer coordination that allow the mission to grow.
Your Impact
Every contribution helps raise awareness about CTE and brain health, equipping athletes, families, and coaches with the knowledge needed to protect the next generation of players.
Together, we honor David’s legacy by turning his story into education, awareness and lasting change.
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 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.
David DSU 80
David's time playing football at Delaware State University, earned him the honor of becoming a 2023 DSU Athlete Hall of Fame honoree. 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).
David's Graduation at DSU
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.
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