Vernon: Last weekend I attended ESPN the Weekend in Orlando, but on a typical day, I’m working out to get ready for the upcoming season as well as watching and supporting my brother Vontae get ready to be drafted into the NFL in April.

Does the daily routine ever get boring, do you sometimes wish you were doing something else?

Vernon: No, I am living my dream of playing in the NFL and playing football.

So if you weren’t playing football, what would you realistically be doing right now?

Vernon: If I wasn’t playing football I would be into fashion designing and interior decorating

I heard you were an art major in college, that’s different- what made you choose that over say Business or even something like Health? Let’s be honest here was it because you thought it would be easy A’s?

Vernon: Actually, I had a dream about art, and my counselor suggested I give it a try. After taking some classes, I loved it and switched majors. Art is relaxing and allows me to show my imagination and thoughts on canvas. I usually paint what I see at that time or images that just come to my mind.

I’m an artist… I feel like I’m an artist in every sense of the word- I paint, draw, design… music, photography, fashion, and design literally consume me and I couldn’t imagine life without those things… Who are you as an artist Vernon? Do you even really consider yourself an artist, if so, what type of artist are you?

Vernon: I had a blast! I joked with somebody and said this is like the Super Bowl for designers. I went to Organic, YIGAL AZROUEL, William Rast, William Rast After party, and Madea Goes to Jail premiere, LuxuryFashion.com party, and of course I did some shopping. It was my first Fashion Week, but it won’t be my last. It really fed my creative side.

Vernon Jones and Justin Timberlake at the William Rast Show. Vernon’s Wardrobe: shirt/sweater-Turnbull & Asser; scarf- John Varvatos; jacket Salvatore Ferragamo; belt- Prada; shoes Salvatore Ferragamo.

Of all the shows/events you went to what was your favorite? Why?

Vernon: I could see myself as a fashion designer I would probably design suits and shoes. I don’t have a name for it but maybe could incorporate DUKE, the nickname that my family calls me, into it somehow.

In general who are your favorite designers?

Vernon: I prefer a certain fit in my clothes (not too tight, but not baggy), and I like to stand out a bit from the other guys. I’m not afraid to wear bright or unusual colors either. In high school I used to put fabric paint on all my shirts and cut holes in my jeans. I used to paint my sneakers too.

Vernon in New York City.

Vernons Wardrobe: shirt- Gap Thermal; scarf- John Varvatos; jacket- Louis Vuitton; glasses Louis Vuitton; belt- Louis Vuitton; shoes- Yves Saint Laurent

Is it hard to be an athlete and be stylish? Why or why not?

Vernon: It gets a little hard sometimes because a lot of brands don’t make their clothes big enough to fit me. Then again, I’m able to have things made or tailored, so It’s probably easier for us than it is for other big guys.

If you had to take the wardrobe and style of any person right now, who would it be and why?

Vernon: I would take the wardrobe of Kanye West because he thinks outside of the box and is very creative. I wouldn’t do the skinny jeans or the hair cut, though.

What’s your favorite trend right now? What do you do, besides reading The Urban Gentleman, to keep up with the current trends?

Vernon: To keep up with the trends I read all the men’s fashion magazines, GQ, Men’s Vogue, Esquire and Details. I also try to look at clothes that are different and how I can apply my own style to the designer whether it’s a well known brand or upcoming designer. My favorite trend is embellished jeans. Oh and I love how sneaker brands are being more creative too.

What tips can you give guys trying to stay in shape?

Vernon: Be consistent, get on a strict regimen, eat healthy and always include cardio.

What’s your general workout routine during your off season? Any favorite health foods?

Vernon: Usually, I train heavier during the off-season because during the on-season I really want to focus on injury prevention workouts. I usually work out three days a week — Monday, Wednesday and Friday — focusing on mostly upper-body work. I incorporate resistance bands quite frequently, which I feel has gotten me really good results.

Usually, I’ll have egg whites, turkey sausage, fruit, and oatmeal for breakfasts. For lunch I’ll have some grilled chicken or a turkey burger with veggies, fruit and wheat bread. Between lunch and dinner it’s often a protein bar, and then my evening meal is pretty much the same as lunch.

Here’s a sort of random question, but what do you do to maintain your dreads? What products do you use?

Vernon: I use beeswax and I get my hair twisted every two weeks

Anything else you want to say?

Vernon: Hard work equals success. Just work and study your craft and God will open doors to bless you.