Missouri teen walked 6 miles to graduation. Then a Miami Dolphins player surprised him

Xavier Jones didn’t have a ride to his middle school graduating ceremony in Missouri. On top of that, it was being held six miles away.

But the 14-year-old didn’t let that transportation dilemma stop him from attending Yeatman-Liddell Prepatory Middle School’s commencement. The rising ninth-grader walked two hours for a chance to cross the stage at Harris–Stowe State University on May 22.

Since then, he’s been an inspiration to many who have heard his story, including Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Terron Armstead, a Cahokia, Illinois native.

Moved by his determination, Armstead gave Jones a $5,000 electric bicycle from Ryan Prichard Electric Bike to make his travels easier and safer.

The football player gave Jones the present June 2 during a celebrity basketball game at Cahokia Senior High School, Armstead’s alma mater.

Before joining the Miami Dolphins with a five-year, $75 million contract, Armstead played for the New Orleans Saints for eight seasons after being selected as the 75th overall pick in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. The following year, he was named HBCU Top 30 Under 30 by HBCU Buzz.

“Follow Xavier’s example. He’s a leader whether he wanted to be or not,” Armstead told KMOV-TV, a local CBS station in Missouri. “His story is inspiring. It’s motivating. That’s what leaders do.”

Jones’ story also caught the attention of Harris–Stowe State University President LaTonia Collins Smith. She offered Jones a presidential scholarship for his perseverance, which will cover four years of tuition, housing, books and fees.

Jones’ mother died a few years ago and his grandfather takes care of Xavier — who also has sickle cell — and his six siblings. So Armstead had a surprise for the whole family too: a $40,000 minivan donated by Bommarito Automotive.

“This means a whole lot,” Xavier’s grandfather told KMOV-TV. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so thankful.”