Zay Jones, wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, recently spoke out for the first time since serving a five-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He shared that his focus has been on moving forward rather than dwelling on the events that led to his suspension.
Jones expressed that the situation had been difficult not only for himself but also for those around him. However, he now aims to concentrate on positive developments for both himself and the team as he returns to play.
Jones returned to practice Wednesday, following his eligibility to rejoin the team earlier in the week, but was limited due to a hamstring injury ahead of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
The suspension stemmed from a November 2022 incident in which Jones was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery after an argument with the mother of his child, allegedly causing an injury to her neck. The single charge was eventually dropped in March, but the NFL continued its investigation, leading to his suspension.
When asked about his suspension, Jones declined to provide further details, stating that he prefers to look ahead rather than revisit the situation. He explained that revisiting the past would not only affect him but also the people who have supported him throughout the process. Instead, Jones expressed his gratitude for being able to return to the Cardinals and emphasized his desire to contribute positively to the team moving forward.
During his suspension, Jones stayed in shape by maintaining a rigorous training routine that included swimming, biking, and running hills to simulate football conditions. He described the five weeks as a “quiet time” and mentioned how challenging it was to be around the facility without being able to practice. Despite these challenges, Jones remained committed to staying ready and maintaining a strong connection with quarterback Kyler Murray.
Reflecting on his time away, Jones emphasized the importance of proving himself every day and the competitive nature of football. He views this challenge as an opportunity to demonstrate his commitment and earn his place back on the team. In 2023, Jones missed additional time due to a knee injury but remains focused on improving his performance, hoping to return to the form that saw him set career highs in receptions and yards in the previous season.
