After 210-yard performance, Jets RB Jones thinks he can go another 4-5 years

At 31, Jets’ Jones thinks he can go 4-5 more years

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Thomas Jones has no plans to call it a career anytime soon.

The 31-year-old New York Jets running back believes he’s still in his prime, and it’s hard to argue with the guy. The Buffalo Bills certainly wouldn’t, not after he ran for a franchise-record 210 yards against them last Sunday.

“I can play another four or five years if I want to, God willing, if I stay healthy,” Jones said Friday before the Jets left for their next game at Oakland.

One look at his chiseled frame is all it takes to know Jones is serious about being in shape.

“It’s like, ‘Are you kidding me?’” coach Rex Ryan said. “It almost looks like he’s upside down. The size of those arms, they should be on the legs.”

The thing is, Jones is at an age — the 30-and-up rule — when many NFL running backs start to slow down and, in some cases, break down.

“I don’t even know who came up with that rule,” Jones said defiantly. “Whoever came up with that rule obviously didn’t play running back in this league, didn’t prepare like I prepare, didn’t watch film like I watch film, didn’t take care of their body like I take care of my body.

“Physically, I feel like a rookie. I don’t feel like I’ve been in the league for 10 years. It’s a mental thing.”

But Jones’ performance is no illusion. He pushed aside a contract dispute that leaves his future in New York uncertain for next season, and ranks fifth in the NFL with 481 yards rushing. He’s also tied for third with six touchdown runs.

“He gets mad when we call him ‘The Old Man,’” offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said with a laugh. “He doesn’t like that. I don’t know if he’s trying to fight Father Time. He takes great care of his body.”

Jones led the AFC in rushing last season with 1,312 yards, and became the third running back in NFL history to make his first Pro Bowl at 30 or older.

“So, the 30-and-up rule,” Jones said, “I’m not really buying into that.”

Jones has been incredibly durable for someone who certainly isn’t a finesse runner. He gets hard yards by pounding through blocks, dragging tacklers and taking hits.

“It’s the way I’ve always played,” said Jones, who never had more than 138 carries until his fifth season. “I’m not going to play any differently because it’s my 10th year in the league. If anything, I’ve gotten better, I’ve gotten more experience.”

Jones was awarded the FedEx Ground award for his dominant performance last Sunday. He ripped off a 71-yard touchdown run that was the longest of his career. He also had a 64-yard run on his previous carry, flashing some zip in his 29th 100-yard game, and 11th with the Jets.

“We had eight, nine guys in the box early in the season and the only thing about that is, if you get guys blocked up and one of the guys out of place, a big run can happen,” he said. “The offensive line has done a great job despite having that many guys to block.”

Jones’ big day came with his father, Thomas A. Jones, in attendance.

“I remember the game is going on and I reminded Thomas, ‘Hey now, your Dad is here. Let’s just keep it going,’” Ryan said. “Obviously, with a win that would have really been special.”

Needless to say, Jones wasn’t happy, even after breaking Curtis Martin’s team record.

“When you watch the film, you see some good things,” Jones said. “But at the end of the day, when you lose the game and just the feeling of the team, the emotions that you have and the frustration with not winning, that just takes over any type of feelings of accomplishment, to be honest. I want to win, first of all.”

That’s why he bristled when a reporter asked him after the game if he was back on track.

“That’s probably one of the dumbest questions you can ask me, of all people,” he said. “I’m not one of those people that talks about myself. I don’t look at myself, I’m not a selfish guy at all.”

Jones couldn’t care less that he has rushed for more than 1,100 yards in each of the last four seasons, or that his 5,457 yards rushing since 2005 are second to only LaDainian Tomlinson’s 6,001.

“At the end of the day, if you don’t win, it was pretty much for nothing,” he said. “That’s my take on it.”

Jones is also the rare star athlete who doesn’t seek the spotlight. He doesn’t have a Twitter account or a Facebook page, and isn’t featured on television ads hawking cars or fast-food sandwiches.

“That’s just not me,” he said.

Jones also isn’t the type to hold daily media huddles at his locker. He prefers to let guys like Mark Sanchez, Bart Scott and Kerry Rhodes get all the attention while he works out and watches film.

“I don’t dislike the media or doing interviews or talking,” he said. “A lot of times, I’m just a very focused person. I believe in my routine. It’s worked for me. … I don’t want to just have a good game here or there, I want to do the right things every week.”