Dolphins’ Terron Armstead buys bike & van for teen who walked 6 miles to graduation and his family

Terron Armstead – an offensive linesman for the Miami Dolphins – bought a new bike and a minivan for an eighth grader and his family after learning that the kid walked six miles to attend his middle school graduation in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Xavier Jones, a 14-year-old with sickle cell anemia, was gifted with a $5,000 Ryan Pritchard electric bike during a celebrity basketball game organized by Armstead’s eponymous foundation on Friday after the NFL player learnt of his determination to succeed in the face of adversity. 

‘We hear a story like Havier. It’s only right,’ Armstead, who’s from the nearby village of Cahokia, Illinois, told local outlet KMOV. ‘Follow Xavier’s example. He’s a leader whether he wanted to be or not. His story is inspiring. It’s motivating. That’s what leaders do.’

Harris-Stowe State University president Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith was so moved by Jones’ dedication and perseverance that she granted him a full-ride ‘Presidential scholarship.’ The money will cover four years of tuition, housing, books, and fees. 

‘I wanted to get my graduation and all my awards and stuff,’ Jones told KSDK, adding ‘my grandpa, his car died’ and that he could only attend his graduation ceremony if he walked to the historically black college and university (HBCU).

Miami Dolphins’ Terron Armstead gifted Xavier Jones, 14, an e-bike after learning his story

Jones walked 6.5 miles to attend his middle school graduation at Harris-Stow State University

Harris-Stow State University president Tonia Smith (L) gifted Jones with a full-ride scolarship 

‘I wasn’t expecting this,’ Jones told KMOV. 

Raised by his grandfather after his mother passed away a ‘few years ago’, the eighth-grader has six siblings and holds a perfect, 4.0 GPA despite growing up in poverty. 

‘The shoes that he walked in had holes in the bottom, holes in the top,’  Darren Seals – Jones’ mentor – told KSDK.  ‘Two-and-a-half-hours walk. A long road, I wouldn’t have walked it.

‘He did what he had to do.’  

After receiving his new bike, Jones shared that he was ‘glad’ to have attended his own graduation ceremony ’cause I didn’t have to walk anymore.’ 

With aspirations to become a NASCAR driver one day, the teen is determined to ‘get to college without paying for anything.’ 

Armstead praised Jones’ leadership, adding that the teen’s ‘inspiring’, ‘motivating’ & a ‘leader’ 

Jones received the gifts at a celebrity basketball game hosted by Armstead’s foundation

Jones graduated from Yeatman-Liddell  Preparatory Middle School (pictured) this summer and will be attending Lift for Life Academy in the fall

But for now, Jones’ next step is to continue his education at Lift for Life Academy. 

‘I’m so grateful to these two 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 and Bommarito Automotive Group for contributing to the charitable gifts.    

‘Let’s keep spreading love and positivity!’

The Terron Armstead Foundation’s goal is ‘to educate and challenge those seeking opportunities to become the best version of themselves.’ 

The non-profit also holds both basketball and football youth camps for kids in the summer.