Friday, April 9, 1999
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 5
Director of student athletes offers unusual perspective
Former wide receiver John Jefferson knows of sports, real world
By Jeremy Johnson sports@kansan.com Special to the Kansan
John Jefferson knows athletics, and he knows how to communicate, which is a good thing considering he is KU's director of student athletic life.
With a mix of casual with candoor, J.J., as Jefferson prefers to be called, gives KU student athletes a perspective of the real world along with the sometimes dreamy world of NCAA athletics.
"He's tactful about it, but he doesn't beat around the bush," said Tyrus Fontenot, Houston senior and Kansas football player. "That's one of the things I like about him."
And Jefferson is likable — easy-going and down-to-earth. He maintains a demeanor inconsistent with what many might perceive of a professional football player — well, a former player, at least.
The students respond to Jefferson because he's straightforward and has a message to deliver, said Fred Roll, strength and conditioning coordinator.
"His demeanor is what these athletes need," Roll said. "A lot of kids respect someone who's been where they are now."
Jefferson, a Dallas native, attended Arizona State, where he was a consensus All-American wide receiver. In 1978, he was the first round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers. He was traded after three seasons but not before turning a lot of heads — especially those of opposing defensive backs.
In San Diego, Jefferson distinguished himself as one of the league's top wide receivers. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice, once led the league in touchdown catches, and became
the first player in NFL history to gain 1,000 yards receiving in each of his first three seasons.
Jefferson joined the Green Bay Packers in 1981 and the Cleveland Brown in 1985, but after eight years in the league, he called it quits.
"There comes a time in every athlete's career when your body says that's enough, and I think that's what happened to me," Jefferson said.
No looking back, though. No regrets.
"I guess I just go on," he said.
After football, Jeffer son moved
back to Dallas and took a job in commercial real estate. It was his first taste of the real world—and the real world, he is quick to point out, is what he tries to drive home to student athletes.
Football would find its
Jefferson: Earned respect for his candid personality.
way back in Jefferson's life, though. He took a volunteer coaching position with SMU in 1989, where he was noticed by former Kansas football coach Glen Mason. Mason asked Jefferson to join his coaching staff, and in 1990, he became Kansas' wide receivers coach.
In 1994, Jefferson jumped at the chance to move into athletics administration as director of administrative services. He said the job gave him the time to spend with his family that he wasn't afforded while coaching.
During his time as director, Jefferson got involved with the Student Athlete Advisory Committee
a group that acted as a sounding board for student athlete concerns. Through those meetings, Jefferson realized the school was caring for the athlete but not necessarily the person.
To help address those student
"His demeanor is what these athletes need.A lot of kids respect someone who's been where they are now."
Fred Roll
athlete needs, Jefferson became director of the newly formed Student-Athlete Life Program 1996. One of Jefferson's goals was to help athletes keep everything in perspective and realize that they were students as well as athletes.
"Some athletes come in and bank it all on their ability to make it to that million dollar contract that's out there," Jefferson said. "Then when it doesn't work, they're stuck because they didn't take advantage of the education part."
Through his job, Jefferson keeps his hands in a number of programs, including the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. He is also involved with the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, The Camp Jayhawk Program, and community outreach.
It's a job tailored to Jefferson, said Paul Busirk, Associate Athletic Director of Student Support Services.
"He relates very well to the kids, which is a must in this particular role," Buskirk said. "They respond to him."
"There's a lot of satisfaction, especially when kids call back after they go into the real world and say you were right about what you said," he said.
All in all, it's a rewarding job for Jefferson.
The winds may blow Jefferson another direction, though. He's open to what lies ahead — in college athletics or not — and flashes a casual smile about the future.
"You never know what opportunities will present themselves," he said.
— Edited by Duane Wagler
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD APRIL 14TH AND 15TH "Vote Yes on Recreation!" Who says size doesn't matter?
BIGGER
175,000 sq. ft.
MORE HOURS 115 hours per week
K-STATE rec. facility
SMALLER 94,638 sq. ft.
LESS HOURS
54 hours per week
KU rec. facility
APRIL 14th AND 15th
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
- Robinson is an academic facility so it only offers work out space when classes aren't in session (before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m.)
- Got a Problem?
- Robinson ranks last in the Big XII in terms of recreation facilities
- You are paying exorbitant fees for private clubs. Meanwhile students at other schools are enjoying the benefits of their own student rec facilities.
Here is the solution!
- You will have the opportunity to vote for a new facility on April 14 & $ 15^{\mathrm {th}} $ (during the senate elections).
- This new facility will be available 18 hours a day. That means you can roll out of bed at any time and go work out!
- New gyms for basketball, floor hockey, indoor soccer (Full sized-not Jr. High sized), 300% more weight and fitness space than Robinson, suspended jogging track, and rock-climbing wall.
- Costs rise every year we wait (construction inflation is 15% per year). The time is now to leave a better KU for the next generation. If you've ever complained about Robinson, now is your chance to do something!!!
VOTE YES ON RECREATION APRIL 14th & 15th