Former DE Jason Jones Returns to Ole Miss for LSU Game

September 22, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Ole Miss Rebels defensive end Jason Jones (38) and defensive end E.J. Epperson (33) combine to sack Tulane Green Wave quarterback Devin Powell (1) during the second quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

If you haven’t seen the video of former Rebel defensive end Jason Jones passionately proclaiming, “I AM an Ole Miss Rebel,” you are missing something special.

In the video, posted to YouTube last year by OleMissSports, you literally feel the spirit Jones has for his school and his football team.

Though the Rebels would, no doubt, love to have Jones on the field again this year—as well as his 27 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss–they could also use his passion. True, there is no shortage of passion on this 2013 version of the Rebels, but there is also no denying Jones brought an unparalleled intensity to the field.

Ole Miss Football Equipment Manager Ken Crain tweeted about Jones’ presence at Ole Miss this weekend.

He could, in fact, be the most enthusiastic, inspirational Ole Miss Rebel of ALL-TIME. And with this year’s defense a little banged up and missing a number of starters, it is nice to know Jones is in Oxford for today’s game against LSU.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jones earlier this year and was struck by his positive outlook on life. He told me, ““Your destination has more meaning when adversity along the way is defeated.”

With as many as six defensive starters out for today’s game, the Rebel football team has a huge opportunity to defeat adversity when they take on the LSU Tigers this evening in Oxford.

Jones’ own situation gives him unique insight into what it takes to persevere in tough times. After redshirting in 2008, he entered the 2009 season with high hopes—only to tear his ACL at the beginning of the season. He fought through the inevitable doubts of whether or not to continue football and emerged stronger and better than ever.

“Injuries can make you a man, or break you as a man—but it’s totally up to you!” Jones said. It’s obvious which route Jones took.

Honestly, if listening to Jones doesn’t fire you up, you probably aren’t alive.