Kenwyne Jones, the former Premier League striker known for his acrobatic somersault celebrations, once had an astonishing incident during a training ground exercise. While participating in a jump test in the gym, Jones managed to put his head through the ceiling, leaving his teammate Peter Crouch in shock. Crouch revealed this incident on the latest episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast.
Crouch, who played alongside Jones at Southampton and Stoke, reminisced about the incident, saying, “I remember the jump test in the gym, obviously I’m tall right but I jumped, it’s ok, decent jump but I didn’t go anywhere near the roof. Kenwyne Jones went straight through the roof. I’ve never seen a f***ing leap like it.”
Jones was known for his backflip celebrations, and this incredible jumping ability came with its own set of issues. According to Crouch, Jones simply jumped and his head went straight through the ceiling, which was made of flimsy squares like those in school. It was an unbelievable sight for everyone present.
Crouch jokingly added, “I remember going ‘f*** me I’m about two feet taller than him, I better have a go at this’. So I did manage it but I had to try so hard and put my head through.”
Kenwyne Jones had a successful career in the Premier League, scoring 40 goals across 195 appearances for Sunderland, Stoke, Cardiff, and Southampton. He also represented Trinidad and Tobago in the 2006 World Cup and had stints in the UAE and USA before retiring at the age of 33 in 2018. After retiring, he pursued coaching and became the manager of the Trinidad and Tobago women’s national team. However, he has been out of the dugout since leaving the role in 2022.
This incident showcases the incredible athleticism and jumping ability of Kenwyne Jones, who became a cult hero for his acrobatic celebrations. While his skills on the football pitch were impressive, it’s clear that his jumping prowess extended beyond the field. The incident serves as a reminder of the unforeseen consequences that can arise during training exercises, even for professional athletes.
Jones’ leap through the gym ceiling is a testament to his extraordinary physical abilities, leaving his teammates and fans in awe. Although he may have caused some damage during his training ground mishap, it only adds to the legendary status of this prominent cult hero.