NFL cornerback: Lights... cameras... aspirations!
Whereas many NFL players envision a future in front of a TV camera, Miami Dolphins defensive back Nathan Jones wants a career behind one.
Jones, a six-year NFL veteran, is the executive producer of a developing television sitcom, “Jock Itch,” and will be in Los Angeles for a two-day open audition for the show.
“I decided a long time ago to start getting prepared for life after football,” said Jones, who played four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and is entering his second with the Dolphins. “While many athletes dream of being in front of the television cameras, my dream is to work in the background where the industry's big decisions are made. I'm very excited about the show's potential.”
His show is about two former high school football teammates making their way as roommates in Los Angeles.
“It's really 'Friday Night Lights' meets 'Friends,' ” said Jones, who grew up in New Jersey but has family in Southern California. “It's a real-life show about friends who tackle the experiences of growing up in a world where sports played a strong presence in their lives and how it continues to fuel their entrepreneurial spirit in the pursuit of their careers.”
“Jock Itch” will have open auditions Saturday and Sunday at the Ruby Theatre at the Complex in Hollywood from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will be looking to cast a variety of roles for people 18 to 24, who are encouraged to bring photos and bios.
“This will be a true open audition because we really want fresh faces for the show,” Jones said. “It will be a lot like an NFL team starting training camp, looking for new people hungry for opportunity. It should be a lot of fun.”
-- Sam Farmer
Photo: Terrell Owens pulls away from Dallas defensive backs Nathan Jones (33) and Tony Dixon on a 59-yard touchdown on November 15, 2004. Photo credit: LM Otero / Associated Press.
