New York Jets running back Thomas Jones is as competitive off the field as he is on the field.
It's that competitive spirit that won Jones a trophy at Mount Sinai Hospital on Tuesday, when he and four other players competed against one another in a game of football trivia that was broadcast to each room in the children's ward live on Mount Sinai TV.
Jones was joined by tight end Jason Pociask, defensive linemen Sione Pouha and C.J. Mosley and offensive tackle Anthony Clement. Despite Jones' ultimate success — he beat Clement in a tiebreaker — all five players were stumped by questions about some of the Jets' greatest historical moments. They could each use a crash course in Green & White history.
Once the show came to a close, the players spent some quality time with several sick children who came down to "The Zone," a special playroom for young patients at the hospital. Jones and 7-year-old Katherine sat side by side drawing pictures of flowers and houses. Other players signed autographs for the kids and took pictures.
The five players then headed upstairs to visit some children who were confined to their rooms. Bearing stickers, keychains, autographs and, most important, smiles and hugs, the players hoped to brighten their days. Despite their conditions, the kids displayed sunny dispositions as they met the players and chatted with them about their upcoming season.
The New York Jets are committed to giving back to the community through numerous initiatives and charitable partnerships. Players make several visits to hospitals throughout the tristate area each year. On Tuesday, several players also visited children at the Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, N.J.
