CINCINNATI -- Like a savvy boxer anticipating his opponent's devastating right cross, Adam Jones has been light on his feet and had his guard up high to prevent the potential blow.
In his older age, the 32-year-old Cincinnati Bengals cornerback has come to realize there simply is no running from his past. It also has dawned on him in recent years that when it comes to his on- and off-field life, there are many who want to see him fail.
That's why the long-embattled defender's primary mission has been to prove everyone -- particularly his most ardent, loudmouthed critics -- wrong.