Perris Jones, a former University of Virginia running back, suffered a life-altering spinal cord injury that abruptly ended his career. Refusing to let the injury dictate his future, today, he's a PhD candidate in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development, focusing on creating systems to support young people facing the same challenges. Perris also serves as a mentor and speaker through Character First Athletics, an organization dedicated to helping college athletes navigate the modern world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) with integrity, purpose, and high character. As an athlete, scholar, and motivator, his mission is to prove that pain can produce purpose-and that no matter how your story begins, it can still end in victory. Connect at info@characterfirstathletics.com.