Cowboys' First-Round Pick Byron Jones Of UConn Is Former U.S. Capitol Intern

As the 27th pick in the NFL draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Byron Jones became the newest member of America's Team. Perhaps that's fitting because he has already worked for America's Government.

In the summer of 2013 summer, before starting his redshirt junior season as a defensive back at Connecticut, Jones interned in Hartford for Connecticut's House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (his AAU basketball coach) and in Washington for U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty.

"It was an eye-opening experience," Jones told Mass Live after the internship. "I went to hearings, briefings, took notes on behalf of the congresswoman. I gave tours of the U.S. Capitol.

"It was fascinating."

The internship was no joke. After the Newtown shooting tragically took over Connecticut politics, a delegation from the city went to Washington to argue for gun control legislation. Esty tabbed Jones as the delegation's escort.

"He has real presence and maturity and a combination of good humor and a calming presence, which is very important in a congressional office," Esty said. "He managed things with maturity and grace, and I was very impressed with his knowledge, intelligence and his people skills."

Fast-forward to Thursday night when Jones put on a Cowboys hat and got a congratulatory tweet from Esty.

It might have been a cringe-worthy sight for many in Washington, but Jones was understandably excited about heading to Dallas.

"When you understand the history that those guys have down there, can't wait to be a part of it for sure," said Jones, who was born in New Britain, Conn., and went to St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, right around the corner from ESPN.

Of course, the Cowboys are more about business than politics. In recent years, Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett have dealt with considerable off-the-field problems with players such as Dez Bryant, Joseph Randle and Josh Brent.

Jones, on the other hand, showed why he is an economics major when asked what he'll be buying with his new contract.

"I'll probably go buy some candy," Jones said. "I'm a big candy person. I don't really drink, but I'll eat some candy now. Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms, whatever it may be."

Whether he chooses business or politics after his NFL career, he will need to find an interesting line of work to keep up with his brother. The oldest, Nathan, is an engineer in Connecticut, and two others are in the military.

"One is a deep sea diver for the Navy," Jones said. "He's in Bahrain, right next to Saudi Arabia, and my Marine, he's down in North Africa at the moment, but I was able to talk to them before I went up on the stage, so it was nice."

Nathan was able to make it to Chicago for the draft. So did his parents, who have been married 31 years. "[They're] a great example of what it's like to be a man, what it's like to be an adult," Jones said.

Also in Jones' entourage Thursday night were the two individuals who housed him during his tenure in Washington. Jones arrived in their basement two years ago, and this week, they made it to the Auditorium Theatre Green Room.

"The first time I met them was when I went down to Virginia to see them and they took me right in and took care of me," Jones said.

-- Follow Jeffrey Eisenband on Twitter @JeffEisenband.