MADISON- Despite the fact Walter Jones lives in Seattle, Washington, the former player in the National Football League still calls Alabama home, though over 2,000 miles separate the two “homes” for the Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive lineman. He still has family in the immediate Madison area and once lived a mere stone throw from Sparkman High School in a 13,000 square-foot mansion.

“I still want people to know I may not live here, I’m still a part of what goes on here,” said Jones while attending his annual Walter Jones Turkey Bowl Flag Football Tournament to assist the House of the Harvest Food Bank in Harvest. The 7-on-7 team event was held a week before Thanksgiving at Bob Jones High. “I still have family here and I still call Alabama home,” added Jones. “I never thought this event would go this long and to host the charity for eight years is amazing.”

Jones played for the Seattle Seahawks from 1997 to 2009 where he was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and was voted to the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team. He was the highest paid offensive lineman in the league and started every game in which he played beginning in his rookie season. On Thanksgiving, 2008, he suffered a knee injury against the Dallas Cowboys, which would end his career. Despite an attempt to return in 2009, he finally retired in April, 2010. His legacy was so potent, the Seahawks retired his number 71 and even the Governor of Washington declared a day “Walter Jones Day” in the entire state.

Born in Aliceville the tiny town in Pickens County just 35 miles west of Tuscaloosa, Jones, now 44, played college football at Florida State for only one season before being the first round draft choice by the Seahawks. Prior to playing for the Seminoles in Tallahassee, he played two seasons of community college football in his attempt to better his grades for the possible trip to the big time. His official ledger was 6-foot-5, 325 pounds.

Jones still towers those around him, but he has a soft, gentle heart for both kids and those living in poverty. He does so because he, too, once lived in the poor section of Alabama among eight children mostly raised by a single mom as his parents split while he was in elementary school.

“I want to be remembered as I did it the right way as I have tried to treat people the way I want to be treated, said Jones. “For me personally, I take every accolade, but show I just don’t think of myself. I live for those around me. Each day I step out of my house I open my eyes and know I’m living more than just for myself.”

Jones who is single, has twin sons, age 19, who he said are adjusting to being on their own, much like he did when he left the confines of Aliceville for much bigger and better places to live. Jones hosts a radio program three days a week in Seattle and host a post-game style program after each of the Seahawks’ games. He’s also trying his hands at photography. He’s living retirement well and looks forward when he makes the 2,000-mile trek to Madison for the Turkey Bowl.

“The event fits into what I’m able to give back and I always believe athletes should help the less fortunate and be a part of something great,” said Jones. “I tell others if you’re doing something that’s dear to your heart, you’re doing it right. I try and inspire others to dream big and be something you want to be.”

Jones said he feels football was just a small part of his life and that what he does for others is much larger. The annual Turkey Bowl is dear to his heart as the giving by the community is what he experienced in the small house he and his family lived in the community of 2,000 within a 4.5 square-mile area.

While in Madison he mingled with the players of the Turkey Bowl signed autographs and shared photo taking opportunities with everyone and anyone who requested a part of his busy schedule.

“I’m nine years removed from the game, but some people think I still play. I enjoy getting out in the community and meeting people,” said Jones. “I’m part of this community. You can come up and talk to me. I’m one of you here in Madison.”