Former LSU safety and pitcher Chad Jones is recovering in a New Orleans hospital after suffering leg and foot injuries in a car wreck early Friday morning, according to LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette.
“He’s still in the hospital in what will be a long recovery process,” Bonnette said.
Jones’ 2010 Range Rover ran into a street car line pole on Carrollton Avenue. The two other passengers in the SUV were unharmed.
The New Orleans native was back home after attending organized team activities with the Giants.
“Chad is extremely alert, and he’s in good spirits,” Al Jones Sr. said in an LSU press release. “His leg and foot are looking better. This is going to be a long process, but everything is positive right now. We are just beginning the healing process.”
Bonnette said Chad Jones has appreciated all the messages sent by LSU fans and friends.
“The athletic department has tried to give people the opportunity to send Chad and his family messages to get well,” Bonnette said. “He knows we support him any way he needs us to.”
Jones was drafted in the third round of April’s NFL Draft by the New York Giants and in the 50th round of this year’s MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.
The safety reportedly signed a four-year, $2.6 million contract with the Giants. His future is uncertain after Saturday’s surgery.
“It’s going to be a lengthy process for Chad,” Bonnette said. “There’s no time table on it.”
Bonnette said Jones’ family is holding up strong.
“They are doing the best they can,” Bonnette said. “They are taking it day by day.”
Bonnette said LSU football coach Les Miles visited Jones on Friday to spend time with his family.
The Southern Lab High School alumnus doubled as a safety and pitcher for the Tigers, winning national championships in both football and baseball.
Jones started 19 games as a safety, most notably the 2009 game against Mississippi State when Jones returned a punt 93 yards for a touchdown and helped stop the Bulldogs during a goal-line stand in the final minutes.
On the diamond, Jones played in 27 games, including the third game of the national championship series when he pitched 1 2/3 scoreless innings against Texas.