By Brett Shweky/Sports Director
Running back Anthony Jones accomplished a feat no one imagined possible following his injury in a drive-by shooting earlier this year as the redshirt junior scored not just one but two touchdowns in the Panthers’ game against the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday, Nov. 17.
Jones hauled in two receiving touchdowns during FIU’s 42-35 victory over the 49ers and also finished with 74 yards rushing in his third game back with the Panthers.
“I’m just excited to be out there with my teammates, and that’s it,” Jones said. “There my brothers, they supported me through everything. They were at the hospital each and every day, and I can’t ask for more man. That means the most to me right, running out that tunnel with the guys.”
The former Miami Central Rocket played his first game since his injury against the FAU Owls in the 17th annual Shula Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 3 at Riccardo Silva Stadium.
His return to the playing field comes 58 days after the drive-by shooting incident which occurred on Thursday, Sept. 6 at the 2400 block of Northwest 140th Street.
The redshirt junior suffered injuries in the face and back and was forced to remain in the hospital for two weeks.
Teammate and left guard Mershawn Miller was also injured in the incident and suffered an injury in his arm. The redshirt freshman was released from the hospital that same night.
Miller also returned to the playing field except against the UTSA Roadrunners on Saturday, Nov. 10 during the fourth quarter.
“What a blessing. To see him and Mershawn Miller with us and moving after the things they went through. Just what an absolute blessing,” said assistant head coach Allen Mogridge.
Jones missed last season due to a knee injury and was primed to orchestrate a stellar comeback with him starting the year with a two-touchdown performance against the Indiana Hoosiers.
With Jones healthy and back in the groove of things, he will be relied on to help fuel the Panthers’ quest to reach the Conference USA championship game.
“Talk about a miracle. The resilience he has and the family atmosphere of the whole team. I’m mean that was an amazing moment for him to come in,” said quarterback James Morgan on Jones returning to the field.
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