The Miami Dolphins’ Terron Armstead gives a middle school student a new bike after hearing he ran SIX MILES to graduate school…and buys a van for his family!
- In addition, Jones received a full-fledged ride to Harris-Stowe State University
- The 14-year-old eighth grader has a 4.0 GPA and wants to be a NASCAR driver
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Terron Armstead — a offensive line player for the Miami Dolphins — bought a new bike and minivan for an eighth-grader and his family after learning the boy had run six miles to graduate from middle school in St. Louis, Missouri.
Xavier Jones, a 14-year-old with sickle cell anemia — a group of conditions that cause red blood cells to deform and break down — was killed on a $5,000 electric bike by Ryan during a celebrity basketball game sponsored by Armstead’s eponymous foundation Pritchard gifted On Friday, the NFL player learned of his determination to succeed against the odds.
“We hear a story like Xavier.” “It’s only right,” Armstead, a local from Cahokia, Illinois, told local outlet KMOV. “Follow Xavier’s example.” He’s a leader, whether he wanted to be or not. His story is inspirational. It’s motivating. That’s what leaders do.”
The eighth grader was raised by his grandfather after his mother passed away “a few years ago”. He has six siblings and has a perfect 4.0 GPA despite growing up in poverty.
“The shoes he ran in had holes in the top and bottom,” Darren Seals – Jones’ mentor – told KSDK. “Two and a half hours’ walk.” A long way that I would not have walked.
The Miami Dolphins’ Terron Armstead gave 14-year-old Xavier Jones an electric bike after learning his story
Jones walked 6.5 miles to earn his high school diploma from Harris-Stow State University
Tonia Smith (left), President of Harris-Stow State University, presented Jones with a full scholarship
“He did what he had to do.”
Harris Stowe State University President Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, was so impressed with Jones’ dedication and perseverance that she awarded him a full “Presidential Scholarship.”
The money will cover tuition, housing, books and fees for four years beginning in 2028 when Jones is expected to graduate high school.
“I wanted to get my degree and all my awards and stuff,” Jones told KSDK about the reason for his six-mile trip, adding, “My grandpa, his car died on the day he graduated.”
“I didn’t expect that,” Jones also told KMOV.
Armstead praised Jones’ leadership, adding that the teenager was “inspirational,” “motivating,” and a “leader.”
Jones received the gifts at a celebrity basketball game hosted by the Armstead Foundation
Jones graduated from Yeatman-Liddell Preparatory Middle School (pictured) this summer and will attend Lift for Life Academy in the fall
After receiving his new bike, Jones shared that he was “glad” he attended his own graduation because I didn’t have to walk anymore.
With aspirations of one day being a NASCAR driver, the teenager is determined to “go to college without paying anything.”
But for now, Jones’ next step is to continue his education at Lift for Life Academy.
“I am so grateful to both of these sponsors for their generous donations and for helping us make a difference in Xavier’s life,” Armstead shared on Instagram, thanking both Ryan Pritchard’s e-bike brand of the Bommarito Automotive Group for their contribution to the charity gifts.
“Let’s keep spreading love and positivity!”
The goal of the Terron Armstead Foundation is “to educate and challenge those who seek opportunities to become the best version of themselves.”
The non-profit organization also hosts basketball and soccer youth camps for children during the summer.