Keaton Jones’ popularity has soared beyond what was previously imaginable.
The Tennessee boy has received an outpouring of support from the sports world in response to his detailed account of the bullying he experiences at school. Jones’ mother shared Keaton’s bullying story Friday via Facebook, and the video since has gone viral, generating over 22 million views as of Monday. As a result, stars of stage, screen and sport are pledging to stand with him.
NBA superstar LeBron James and UFC president Dana White are among Jones’ most famous supporters.
Meet Keaton Jones a very smart little boy who is being bullied at school. This video is heartbreaking!! I want to bring Keaton to Vegas and hang out at UFC Headquarters. If anyone knows how i can reach the family please let me know. Thank u everyone pic.twitter.com/BR8c4ldDFc
— danawhite (@danawhite) December 10, 2017
Damn right! Bullies are straight up wack, corny, cowards, chumps, etc, etc! Keaton keep your head up buddy and push forward! You're the best https://t.co/pqDgay77l9
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 11, 2017
Tennessee Titans tight end Delanie Walker wants Jones to attend an upcoming game as his guest.
@DonteStallworth @Lakyn_Jones hopefully my video and the tweets that Keaton have been getting brings awareness to bullying and how serious it is in our school system pic.twitter.com/1Dujv3RxA5
— Delanie Walker (@delaniewalker82) December 9, 2017
James’ Cleveland Cavaliers teammate, J.R. Smith, made a similar offer to Jones on Saturday.
That’s a damn shame. Keaton if your around when we play in Memphis i would love to invite you to one of our games. Head up Champ! https://t.co/Moh9ObdgX8
— JR Smith (@TheRealJRSmith) December 11, 2017
Ex-Boston Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez gave Jones a special shout-out, while Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy offered an uplifting joke on the teen’s behalf.
#keatonjones you are the Real MVP. #StandUpToBullying
— MANNY RAMIREZ (@therealmanny99) December 11, 2017
It's been awesome to see but I'm starting to worry about Keaton Jones' future grades with all these trips he's going to be taking this year.
— Brandon McCarthy (@BMcCarthy32) December 11, 2017
Tennessee Volunteers football quarterback Jarrett Guarantano and Tyler Byrd also have brought Jones into their social circle and intend to become part of his.
So I got the chance to spend the day with my new best bud Keaton. It was unbelievable to get to know him and realize that we have a lot in common. This dude is very special and has changed my life forever. Now I have the little brother I always wanted! God bless you my man pic.twitter.com/vMHVtnf2rC
— Jarrett Guarantano✞ (@JayGuarantano) December 11, 2017
We going to the middle school next Tuesday show young Man some love we will also TWITTER LIVE some of it so everyone can show there love and support #vols #StopBullying @cboystunna3 @BroadwayJay2 @JKShuttlesworth @smithtrey98
— Tyler Byrd (@D1fuzzymuffin17) December 9, 2017
Things are looking up for Jones, largely thanks to the power of social media.
