By
Erin Coulehan
Copy
For twin brothers Aaron Jones and Alvin Jones Jr., giving back isn’t just a mission, it’s a way of life.
Raised by two U.S. Army sergeants, the brothers grew up with a strong sense of discipline, adaptability, and above all, service. While the nature of military life often meant moving from place to place, the Jones family remained grounded in their commitment to community. Whether they were stationed in the States or abroad, Aaron and Alvin were never far from opportunities to lend a helping hand. From serving Thanksgiving meals at soup kitchens to organizing school fundraisers, the Jones twins were taught from an early age that no act of kindness is too small.
Their early experiences volunteering alongside their parents laid the foundation for a lifelong ethos of service. That spirit culminated in the launch of the A&A All The Way Foundation in 2020, a nonprofit aimed at empowering and supporting children and families through charitable events, scholarships, and outreach.
Now with a national platform, Aaron and Alvin are continuing the same work they began as kids, just on a much larger scale. The foundation is more than a charitable endeavor; it’s a reflection of the values their parents instilled in them and a continuation of the legacy they’ve long embraced.
While their careers have taken them to different corners of the professional football world, their purpose remains united. Aaron, now a running back for the Minnesota Vikings and former Green Bay Packer, has not only dazzled on the field (with over 2,000 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns) but has also earned recognition for his work off the field, including a 2021 nomination for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. Alvin, who left his mark at UTEP as one of the school’s top defensive players, brought the same intensity and heart to the NFL and Canadian Football League.
For both brothers, success isn’t just about stats or accolades – it’s about using their journey to inspire, uplift, and give back, all the way.
Now, the Jonses are gearing up for a big month in El Paso.
The brothers are bringing a series of youth sports camps and a brand-new charity golf tournament to El Paso as part of their ongoing commitment to give back to the community that raised them.
“This year we’re doing something new, a charity golf tournament,” said Alvin. “We’re not the best golfers, but we’re competitive. It’s all about having fun for a good cause.”
The golf tournament is just one of several events hosted by the A&A All the Way Foundation.
Also on the schedule are their annual football – this year partnering with Will Hernandez’s Mijo Things Foundation – and basketball camps, as well as a brand-new soccer camp, which Alvin joked he’ll be learning on the fly.
“We’re excited to try something different,” he said. “I don’t play soccer, but I’ll be out there with the kids learning right along with them.”
The foundation’s football camp in collaboration with Mijo Things kicks off with a special needs session in the morning, followed by camps for younger and older age groups throughout the day. Participants will receive instruction, meals, photo ops, and the chance to meet the Jones brothers in person.
In addition to teaching athletic fundamentals, the Jones brothers emphasize the lifelong benefits of playing sports – especially when introduced at a young age.
“It’s not just about becoming a professional athlete,” said Alvin. “Sports teach you how to work with a team, how to stay committed, and how to set and reach goals. Those are lessons that apply far beyond the field.”
Aaron added that these values are crucial for both boys and girls.
“Discipline, structure, self-confidence: those things start early. Sports help build that foundation,” he said. “Being active, especially today when a lot of kids are on screens, is so important for your health. It’s vital.”
Both brothers believe that giving kids a chance to try different sports – whether or not they see themselves as “athletes” – opens the door to growth, connection, and self-discovery.
“You never know what you’re capable of until you try,” said Alvin. “Sports create opportunities, and sometimes all a kid needs is one chance.”
Beyond sports, the Jones brothers say their goal is to teach kids life skills like discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
“Not everyone’s going to go pro or even to college through sports,” Alvin said. “But the lessons you learn, – commitment, goal-setting, staying active – those stick with you for life.”
Aaron echoed the sentiment.
“It’s about doing the right things every day and building good habits,” he said. “Those things translate, whether you’re on the field or in the workplace. You’ve got to work with others, put aside differences, and commit to a common goal.”
In addition to the camps, the Joneses are planning to show their celebrity guests what makes El Paso special.
Stops in previous years have included local favorites like Cabo Joe’s, Hayashi Hibachi, Crave, and El Charlarton in Socorro. Guests also get to experience local landmarks like Scenic Drive, UTEP, and the iconic star on the mountain.
“A lot of people don’t realize how close we are to Mexico,” Aaron said. “When they get here, they’re like, ‘Wow.’ It’s a hidden gem. And when people visit, they fall in love with it.”
Giving back to El Paso is more than just an annual event for the Jones brothers; it’s personal.
“El Paso made me who I am,” Aaron said. “From middle school through college, this community supported me. I wouldn’t be where I am without it.”
The brothers also hope their involvement serves as a source of inspiration for the next generation of athletes.
Role models play a crucial role in shaping the identity, values, and aspirations of young men.
As kids and young adults are barraged with conflicting messages about success, strength, and masculinity, positive examples offer a grounded sense of direction. Role models – whether they are family members, coaches, community leaders, or public figures – demonstrate what it means to lead with integrity, work hard, and uplift others.
For young men, seeing someone who looks like them, shares their background, or has overcome similar challenges can be deeply empowering. These figures show that it’s possible to pursue excellence while staying true to one’s character and giving back.
They offer more than inspiration but also provide a blueprint for resilience, empathy, and purpose.
“Growing up, I wish we had something like this,” Aaron said. “But we had athletes we looked up to. We saw it could be done. Now we just want to be that belief system for someone else.”
