Former NFL RB Thomas Jones to donate brain for scientific research

Thomas Jones played 12 seasons in the NFL as a running back with the Cardinals, Buccaneers, Bears, Jets and Chiefs. He joined Pro Football Now on Wednesday and discussed why he'll be donating his brain to scientific research.

Thomas Jones played 12 seasons in the NFL as a running back with the Cardinals, Buccaneers, Bears, Jets and Chiefs. He joined Pro Football Now on Wednesday and discussed why he'll be donating his brain to scientific research. 

Jones said that both he and his younger brother, former NFL running back Julius Jones, sustained a lot of concussions while they were playing in the NFL. The elder Jones said that he wanted to give back to future players who may experience some of the same health problems. 

He also has a personal connection to tragedies associated with concussions and repeated blows to the head: Jones says he was good friends with former NFL players Junior Seau and Jovan Belcher, both of whom committed suicide and have been linked to CTE. 

Jones -- the NFL's rushing leader in 2008 -- said he wants to donate his brain for research due to these personal connections and his own experience with concussions. Jones, who is working on a documentary series about the issues NFL players face off the field, said he thinks he has felt some of the effects of concussions during his retirement. 

"Hopefully it will help save a life," Jones said. "Hopefully it will help another player who comes after me."

Watch the video above to view Jones' full conversation with host Maggie Gray.