JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. -- He's known for his speed and toughness on the football field. But Tuesday, Maurice Jones-Drew shows his softer side.
Over a high-dollar feast, 20 lucky high school athletes from Andrew Jackson High School dined in style. At the head of the table, none other than Jags superstar MJD.
"They want to do something with their lives," he said of the kids. "So many times now we see kids that throw their lives away, they say things are too hard and they kind of give up so it's always good to show if you do put that best foot forward and do your best you'll be OK."
He says getting to the NFL was no walk in the park and admits growing up, he wasn't always the best on or off the field.
"I've never been the best student. And I wasn't always the best football player but a lot of hard work and a lot of whooping crack from those two back there definitely helped me a bunch."
Jones-Drew is talking about mom and grandma -- who he credits with keeping him in line. Tuesday, they were watching Mojo as he passed on their family lessons.
"I love to see that cause I taught him that," said mom Andrea Jones-Drew.
Zuriel Davis sat in awe through much of the meal. MJD's a role model, and this experience is one he says he'll never forget.
And what Davis will take away from this experience makes it all worth it to the pro and his proud mama.
"If we change one that's good. If we can help them get to college and get them a computer and help them go, then we'll do all of that," said Andrea Jones-Drew.
