SW Virginia native Thomas Jones one of 122 nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Southwest Virginia native and Super Bowl running back Thomas Jones was announced Thursday as one of 122 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Setting numerous Virginia High School League records while at Powell Valley High School, the Big Stone Gap running back went on to star at the University of Virginia.

He was a first-round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2000 NFL Draft and played with four other franchises during his 12 seasons including an appearance in Super Bowl 41 with the Chicago Bears.

Jones has made a successful transition from football to the acting industry, garnering such roles as Comanche in Netflix’s “Luke Cage” and appearances in such movies as “Straight Outta Compton” and Sony’s “A Violent Man.”

The field will be trimmed from 122 to 25 in November and then to 15 finalists in January.

(NETFLIX)