Bridging worlds through football

Editor's note: We have invited foreigners living in China to share their stories about the cities where they live and work. Ricky Jones Jr is a football athlete from Florida, the United States. He has been living in Shanghai since 2019.

I didn't plan on becoming an ambassador for American football in China. Honestly, when the call first came, I thought it was a prank. "Football? In China?" At the time, I had just wrapped up tryouts with a few NFL teams after being cut by the New Orleans Saints.

My dream felt like it had slipped away, and like so many athletes back home, I was staring down a tough reality: What comes next when the game you've loved your whole life suddenly ends?

For me, the answer was halfway across the world.

I took the leap — and it changed my life.

When I landed in China, nothing looked like what I'd seen on TV. It was bigger, faster, and full of energy. People were curious about me — not just because I looked different, but because they Googled me and realized: this guy can actually play.

That curiosity turned into community, and before I knew it, I wasn't just playing football again — I was helping build it here.

My first year in Shanghai was a lot to take in, to be honest. I learned about the metro system, and being able to get around the city in a blink of an eye was new for me. Of course, this came with missing a few metro stops around People's Square.

A couple of things that caught my eye were the older communities taking care of the younger generations, or the dancing in the parks all over the city. It's something that brings happiness to the heart. I respected the hustle of everyone while still being able to enjoy everyday life.

Back home, athletes often fall into depression once their playing days are over. But what I've realized is the game doesn't have to end. The world is wide open. And there are people everywhere who are hungry to learn the sport that shaped me.

In Shanghai today, you'll find me suiting up with the Shanghai Wolves in flag football games, and just as importantly, coaching the next generation.