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Thomas Q. Jones is a dynamic presence both on and off the field. Known primarily as a dominant all-time leading running back with a twelve-season career in the National Football League (NFL), Jones has shifted his post-NFL career toward acting in film and television, as well as leading the tech sector as CEO of Castar Applications, Inc., a mobile app development company.
In cinema, Jones starred in the independent film "Runaway Island," alongside Lorraine Toussaint and Aisha Hinds. He appeared in "Straight Outta Compton," a feature about the hip-hop group N.W.A., sharing a notable scene with Paul Giamatti. The film premiered on August 14, 2015, debuting at number one at the box office and holding that spot for three weeks straight. In 2016, Jones took on roles as both producer and actor for the upcoming adaptation of the graphic novel "Loyalty," starring Lucien Laviscount. He also acted in the independent short film "Love and The Line" and the innovative feature "9 Rides," which was filmed entirely in 4K on an iPhone 6s.
On television, Jones guest-starred in seasons 2 and 3 of BET’s hit drama "Being Mary Jane," portraying Brandon "Cutty Buddy" Gibson, the love interest of Gabrielle Union’s character, Mary Jane Paul. He also appeared as Vince, a charming commercial pilot and love interest, on TV ONE's comedy "Born Again Virgin." His TV roles extend to features on Showtime’s "Shameless" and IFC’s "Comedy Bang! Bang!"
In technology, Jones launched his first mobile app through Castar Applications, Inc. The app, Castar, is available on iOS, Android, and Windows platforms, serving as a social business tool for creatives to showcase talents, network with industry pros, engage audiences and agents, grow fan bases, and generate income. Jones aims to develop additional apps that enhance social media and e-commerce experiences.
Drafted seventh overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals from the University of Virginia, Jones became one of the NFL's top 25 all-time rushers, amassing over 10,000 rushing yards. Over his career, he played for the Cardinals, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Chicago Bears, and Kansas City Chiefs. His achievements include leading the AFC in rushing, winning the 2006 NFC Championship, competing in Super Bowl XLI in 2007, and earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2009. In 2010, he was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, honoring excellence on and off the field. Jones will be eligible for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Raised in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, Jones grew up with five sisters, one brother, and coal-miner parents. Together with his family, he published "Blessings from the Dust," a book reflecting their experiences growing up in Virginia’s impoverished coal-mining communities. A feature film based on the book is currently in development.
Jones earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology in just three years from the University of Virginia and established the Thomas Quinn Jones I Academic Scholarship there. Dedicated to advancing NFL player health, he pledged to donate his brain to the Sports Legacy Institute for research on brain trauma in high-impact sports. Honoring his twelve-year NFL career, Jones is producing a documentary titled "The NFL: The Gift or the Curse?"
He divides his time between Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida, accompanied by his dog and a hairless cat.
