In a career marked by unexpected turns and unwavering dedication, Jeff Jones turned his passion for sports into a job he never expected. Born in El Paso, raised in Auburn, Alabama, and with a high school stint in Houston, Jeff’s journey has been anything but ordinary. His love for team sports, especially basketball, started early, but it was his stepdad’s advice in eighth grade that changed everything: “He told me I’d be a better basketball player if I played football,” Jeff recalls with a laugh. “From there, football picked me.”
That advice led him to Trinity University, where he starred as a linebacker. Sports had always been a passion, but Jeff never imagined they would lead him to the broadcast world.
After earning his bachelor’s degree and a master’s in education, Jeff had a brief but pivotal moment of uncertainty. “There was a three-week gap between finishing my master’s and finding my first job. It was the first time I’d faced uncertainty, and I was scared,” he admits. As he sat watching SportsCenter, an idea started to form. “I thought, maybe I could talk about sports for a living.”
With that spark of inspiration, Jeff went on to pursue another master's degree at the University of the Incarnate Word. He balanced teaching during the day with attending class and studying at night and took an internship at a television station in San Antonio. That internship turned into a full-time job, where he spent two years before moving on to a role in Raleigh, North Carolina. Three years later, in 2018, he moved his family back to Texas and took on the role of sports director at KVUE.
After living in North Austin for a few months, Jeff and his wife Keri started looking for a permanent place to raise their family. “My job is unique. We get to see all the pockets of our Austin community. I’d come to Dripping Springs for the Friday Game of the Week, and Drip was so welcoming,” he says. “The high school people were always so genuine. The kids weren’t jaded and they were so kind. My wife and I decided this would be a great place to raise our kids.”
Growing that family in Dripping Springs has been a joy for Jeff and Keri, who met in college and recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. The couple enjoys fantasy football and Jeff’s other passion: cooking. They have two children, a 5-year-old daughter and a 1-year-old son. “My boy loves food and waking up really, really early,” Jeff jokes.
His daughter’s favorite place is the local H-E-B, where the floral department knows them by name. “She always gets a balloon and a macaroon. We’ve gotten to know everyone there. The community is so tight-knit, and that extends from the grocery store to the school to our neighborhood at Headwaters,” he says. “Everyone is so excited about our families growing up together. I can’t wait to see these kids competing for state championships and performing in plays 10 years from now. That feeling is so unique and special.”
Jeff’s passion for cooking blossomed during the coronavirus pandemic. “My in-laws gifted me a pellet grill for Christmas in 2019, just before the world shut down,” he says. “With sports on pause, I got really into cooking. I started following coaches and people I knew to get tips. I got hooked fast.”
His love for experimenting with food, researching new techniques, and creating his own interpretations has turned into a serious hobby. “I love reading, watching YouTube videos, and trying out different recipes,” he shares.
When it comes to his favorite dishes, Jeff doesn’t hesitate. “I love cooking jalapeno-smoked meatloaf, pork belly burnt ends, and creating special compound butters for turkey and steaks,” he says.
With the Super Bowl just around the corner, Jeff has a few tips for anyone planning a party. “I like to serve mobile foods—no need to find a seat, just grab and go with one hand,” he advises. “Wings are always a hit. Focus on the sauces; they are an easy tool to cover up mistakes!” His go-to sauce is a hot lemon pepper creation. “I take a traditional buffalo sauce and add lemon juice and zest. It’s simple, but so flavorful.”
For a memorable party experience, Jeff recommends sliders made with King’s Hawaiian rolls and cold cuts. He brushes the top of the rolls with butter and seasonings. “I smoke them for a nice twist on a classic. It really feels elevated,” he explains. And of course, no Texas gathering would be complete without chips, queso, and guacamole.
@jeffjonessport
"It was the first time I’d faced uncertainty, and I was scared"
Football picked me, and cooking hooked me