Late Longwood Football Player Darrius Jones: 'Heart of a Giant'

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY —Longwood High School student and football player Darrius Jones' life was cut short at only age 16 when he was killed in a car accident with his brother in September. His coach and teammates continue to remember his spirit and "his heart of gold," nominating him for the New York Giants' "Heart of a Giant Award."

The contest chooses high school players in the Tri-State area based on their character, commitment and dedication. Jones is now one of six finalists that will be eligible to be chosen as the grand prize winner. USA Football, Hospital for Special Surgery and the New York Giants will choose the final winner for the Heart of a Giant award, giving an additional $4,000 equipment grant to the winner's school.

On September 3, the Longwood football team held a moment of silence before a game for their teammate.

"He was such a good person, such a good kid," his teammates remembered.

Jones and his older brother, Darrell Jones, 28, both of Coram, died in the multiple-car crash in Mount Sinai on September 2.

Longwood football coach Sean Kluber wrote:

"Darrius was a senior who came out to play after taking a couple of years off. He never missed a day, even when he fractured his thumb. He cheered on his teammates, donned a vibrant smile, and was a source of positivity and happiness in the locker room and on the field. He always asked what else he could do to help the team, and would even say goodbye to every coach and say 'great job coaching.' This happened almost every day."

"He wasn't cleared for practice for his first few days of camp, but he never looked disappointed, and was always smiling. His teammates loved him, and so did the staff. On Thursday September 2nd, 2021—on the way home from football practice—Darrius died from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The shockwaves from this incident devastated our community, but even more so our football team. On September 15th, we made Darrius' funeral optional for our team, but all 52 student athletes showed up and boarded the bus. They all respected him so much that they wanted to say their goodbyes. I miss Darrius' smile already, and his heart of gold will forever be etched in Longwood history, as well as my memory."