James "JJ" Jones
Summary
Former Division I and Professional Athlete transitioning into media, content creation, and communications. Experienced in hosting, interviewing, podcasting, social media content, and supporting team operations. Proven leader with experience mentoring peers and youth while thriving in fast-paced, team-driven environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Anchor / Analyst
Sports Xtra
08.2022 - 01.2025
- Anchored live sports broadcasts, delivering real-time commentary and analysis.
- Produced engaging weekly sports segments and detailed game breakdowns to inform and entertain viewers
- Wrote compelling scripts, pitched relevant stories, and managed control room operations to ensure smooth broadcast execution
- Collaborated with production teams to ensure seamless show execution.
- Conducted in-depth interviews with athletes and coaches for feature segments.
Media & Communications Intern
GoHeels / UNC Athletics
01.2025 - Current
- Assisted in creating digital content, conducting interviews, and covering athletic media events to enhance audience engagement
- Supported communications and branding strategies while managing social media initiatives to strengthen online presence
- Produced and distributed content across UNC Athletics platforms to maximize reach and visibility
Podcast Co-Host
Heels on Franklin
07.2026 - Current
- Conducted engaging conversations on football culture, athlete perspectives, and current team developments to enhance listener experience
- Led UNC football discussions, recapping games, providing player insights, and analyzing program developments
- Developed on-air communication and interviewing techniques, creating personality-driven content that resonated with audiences
Podcast Co-Host
Field of 68 Network
09.2025 - Current
- Co-hosted UNC basketball discussions analyzing game performance, team dynamics, and key storylines to engage listeners
- Enhanced sports commentary and storytelling, fostering deeper audience engagement through long-form discussions
- Analyzed player development, matchups, and college basketball trends, providing insights for audience understanding
Professional Football Player
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Participated in rigorous workouts, strategic meetings, and intensive training camp activities to enhance team cohesion and performance.
- Represented the organization professionally at all times in public settings.
- Communicating clearly with teammates on field to ensure successful execution of plays.
Professional Football Player
Edmonton Elks
Edmonton
09.2025 - 05.2026
- Competed at professional level in Canadian Football League, showcasing skills and athleticism in high-stakes environments
- Participated in team meetings, practices, and game preparations to enhance team strategy and cohesion
- Represented organization in community and media appearances, promoting team values and fostering fan engagement
Scholarship Student-Athlete (Wide Receiver)
UNC Football
01.2021 - 12.2024
- Competed at the Division I (ACC) level
- Mentored younger teammates and led wide receiver room
- Elected member of team leadership council
- Balanced academics with year-round training and competition
Event Host
UNC Rammy Awards
01.2024
- Co-hosted UNC annual athletics awards ceremony, engaging audience and recognizing athlete achievements
- Supported scripting, rehearsals, and production meetings, ensuring smooth execution of event program
Commentator
ACC Media Day
08.2024
- Interviewed UNC players and coaches, providing behind-the-scenes coverage
- Collaborated with ACC media staff on interview logistics and storytelling
Event Host
Mack Brown Women's Coaching Clinic
08.2024
- Hosted programming, introduced staff to audiences, interviewed donors to highlight contributions, facilitated Q&A sessions to engage participants
Camp Instructor / Spokesman
UNC Football Camps
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Coached fundamental football skills to youth athletes
- Led drills, evaluations, and motivational talks
Shadow Experience
ESPN
09.2023
- Observed live broadcast production and on-site operations
Education
Master of Applied Professional Studies -
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC06-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Media and Journalism
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC08-2024
Skills
- On-Camera Communication
- Play-by-Play Commentary
- Color Commentary
- Broadcast Production
- Script Writing
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- Social Media Platforms
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Public Speaking
Awards
- 2025 ACC Postgraduate Scholarship Recipient
- 2025 UNC Athletics & Chancellor's Office Jim Tatum Memorial Award
- 2024 ACC Top Six in Service Recipient
- 2023-2024 All-ACC Academic Team
- 3× ACC Honor Roll (2021-22, 2023-24, 2024-25)
- Tar Heel Scholar-Athlete (2021-22, 2023-24)
- Fall 2021 UNC Dean's List
Leadership Experience
- Panelist, UNC Campus Mental Health TED Talk, Fall 2024, Spoke on student-athlete mental health and personal experience
- UNC Representative, Black Student-Athlete Summit, 07/01/24, Selected as one of three UNC student-athletes to attend national summit
- Volunteer, University of North Carolina, 2021, Present, Volunteer at UNC Children's Hospital, Support local schools through reading programs and facility tours
Websites
Timeline
Podcast Co-Host
Heels on Franklin
07.2026 - Current
Podcast Co-Host
Field of 68 Network
09.2025 - Current
Professional Football Player
Edmonton Elks
09.2025 - 05.2026
Professional Football Player
Jacksonville Jaguars
04.2025 - 08.2025
Media & Communications Intern
GoHeels / UNC Athletics
01.2025 - Current
Commentator
ACC Media Day
08.2024
Event Host
Mack Brown Women's Coaching Clinic
08.2024
Event Host
UNC Rammy Awards
01.2024
Shadow Experience
ESPN
09.2023
Anchor / Analyst
Sports Xtra
08.2022 - 01.2025
Scholarship Student-Athlete (Wide Receiver)
UNC Football
01.2021 - 12.2024
Camp Instructor / Spokesman
UNC Football Camps
01.2021 - 01.2024
Master of Applied Professional Studies -
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Bachelor of Arts - Media and Journalism
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill