Mikel Jones - Trusting His Plan

“For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?”

-Isaiah 14:27

 

Mikel Jones has become a fan favorite for the Syracuse Orange as he has quickly become a star and captain for the team within just his first few years there. Entering the 2021 season, the Syracuse linebacker had already cemented his name as one of the best at the position in the league. Named to the Butkus award watch list, an award given to the best linebacker in the league, Mikel Jones had another impressive performance on the field in the 2021 season, finishing with 110 tackles and being named to the All-ACC first team. As Jones has become the cornerstone of the Syracuse defense, he says his goal is to use his gifts on the field to make a difference in the lives of others.

A Miami native, Mikel Jones has always been around the game of football. But while he always had a football in his hands growing up, faith was also an important part of life for Mikel and his family. He says that it was in high school, however, when faith really became a priority as he was given the opportunity to play at the prestigious IMG academy, nearly 3 and a half hours away from home. Mikel says he had to trust God more than ever as he made the decision to attend.

“I had to leave on my faith in God that this decision would be the best for me because I knew with all my heart that this opportunity would not have presented itself to me if it wasn’t meant for me.”

As Jones attended IMG, he became one of the most coveted linebackers in the 2019 recruiting class. Jones would go on to choose to attend Syracuse for his college years, where he says that since stepping on campus, he has learned to trust that God is always in control.

“Having faith in God and knowing that he will be with you at all times during the highs and lows is important to me because it keeps my mind in a humble place to be open to new things I could learn from the losses and wins.” Mikel also says that as he approaches each week, faith is a foundation for him and allows him to stay focused and grounded regardless of the outcome of the last game.

“Every week is a new battle that is different from the previous week. You have to believe that God will put you in the right position to do your best if you keep your faith in him, as well as keeping your faith in the process that you go through while preparing for a new battle every week regardless of who the opponent is.”

Mikel says that faith plays an imperative role for the Syracuse football team, not just in God but also having faith in each other as teammates. He says they have coined the definition “Belief without evidence” for faith, and it helps Mikel stay grounded in his relationships with his teammates and coaches as well as keeping his head level while reminding himself to always put God first.

“The definition ‘Belief without evidence’ helps me on and off the field because in any situation when I am unsure about a situation or have any type of doubt towards something, I remind myself that God would not give me any challenge that I can not handle or that I am not prepared for. He is with me during all stages of any situation whether it’s good or bad.”

While the Syracuse season didn’t end the way Mikel had hoped, with the Orange falling to the now #12 Pitt Panthers in their final game and leaving Syracuse a win shy of bowl eligibility, Mikel says he still is grateful for another healthy year and the opportunity to play the game he loves. As he prepares for his 4th season with the Orange, he hopes to continue to be a leader and pillar for his team and leave an impact on anyone who is watching when he takes the field.