We all know James Jones as a key contributor to the Packers’ Super Bowl run and a well-known voice in the football media today. But, before James Jones was hauling in touchdowns at Lambeau, before the Super Bowl victory, and long before his presence on NFL Network, he was a kid sleeping in shelters. And, while his personal story is known to his fans, here’s what they don’t tell you. Through it all, one woman, Tamika Jones, has been his constant.

The powerful duo shares a common vision, that is, to combat homelessness. And Tamika has played a key role in turning James’ past pain into a force for lasting change. Working with charity organizations, they continue to work for society. This has raised fans’ interest in knowing more about the splendid personality, Tamika Jones.

Who is Tamika Jones?

The love story of James and Tamika began at San Jose State University. While they met during his freshman year, they didn’t start dating until two years later. She wasn’t just another college girlfriend, she became his anchor. James once waited over a year before he opened up to Tamika about the intensity of his childhood struggles. And she responded with compassion.

As she reflected, “The way I grew up, I couldn’t identify. I couldn’t imagine. My parents are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year; two totally different backgrounds. But I always tell people, I’m supposed to be with James. I profess to be a strong person, but … wow. There’s so much stuff his family has taught me,” as mentioned in ESPN’s article from 2016.

And while she keeps a low profile, her impact is evident. Through their Love Jones 4 Kids Foundation, she co-hosts the annual Toast to Success fundraiser in Green Bay. During an interview published by NBC 26, she explained, “We do the event so people actually know what’s going on here.” She further adds, “Just because you don’t see people sleeping on the street as often, it doesn’t mean that homelessness isn’t a problem here.” Indeed, her empathy radiates through her personality.

How has wife Tamika Jones stayed beside James Jones through thick and thin?

When James returned to the San Jose Family Shelter, where he once lived as a kid, after winning the Super Bowl, Tamika accompanied him. She never pitied his past, she considers it a building foundation. Tamika reflected supportively during the interview, “He lets you know, he thinks [growing up in shelters] is something that had to happen to him. It’s the thing that made him the man he is today.” At the shelter, she accompanied him while serving meals, playing with the children, and walking side-by-side through the halls wherein James built his survival story.

And, together, they’ve aligned with Freedom House in Green Bay, a family shelter that is embedded in Christian values. They strongly believe that no family should be split up because of hard times. James explained, “They try to keep the families together… it’s Christian-based, so they had a lot of things that we liked in there.” And Tamika added, “It’s been a good partnership.” The Jones family doesn’t merely want to donate money. “James could take out his checkbook,” Tamika said, “but that’s why we do the event — to raise awareness.”

Being by his side through ups and downs, their shared goal is to lift homeless children. James adds, “Sometimes when I look at some of these kids in the eyes, I see that look. That look of worry.” Now, post-football, James and Tamika are living an impactful life, wherein they value normalcy more than luxury.