Adam Jones to play Titans for the first time

Would it surprise you to learn that Bengals cornerback Adam Jones hasn't actually played against the team that drafted him nearly 10 years ago?

Jones, selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft, spent two seasons in Tennessee before an "incident" in Las Vegas put him on a one-year suspension in 2007. The Titans released him. And to his credit, Jones has moved on -- especially considering he's playing his fifth season with the Bengals this year.

"With time and growth, things seem to be not as important, or should I say (I don't have) a chip on my shoulder," Jones said via the Tennessean. "Of course, I can't wait to play. But as far as angry about anything (from his days with the Titans), no, I'm not."

Jones spent a year in Dallas ('08) before taking another year off ('09). Cincinnati eventually gave him an opportunity and despite a handful of incidents off the field, Jones has been a solid contributor for Cincinnati -- he's played every game in each of the past two seasons and secured four interceptions, two forced fumbles, a quarterback sack and a pick-six.

When asked about advice he gives younger players, he had a very Jones-like response.

"At the end of the day, when the game is taken away from you, it's gone. No one is going to be calling your phone and all that, so enjoy the time now, make good decisions and get all the money you can while you can get it, because when the checks stop coming in, they stop coming in."

Respect.