Cody Jones is best known as a member of the popular YouTube sports entertainment group Dude Perfect. A towering presence at 6’6″, he’s often referred to as the “tall guy” by fans. This article explores Jones’ journey from Texas A&M University to YouTube stardom, delving into his personal life and contributions to the Dude Perfect phenomenon.
Table Content:
From College Basketball to YouTube Sensation
Cody Jones’ path to internet fame began at Texas A&M University. It was there he met twins Coby and Cory Cotton during a basketball game at the university’s recreation center. This initial encounter led to a friendship and an invitation to live with the twins, Garrett Hilbert, and Tyler Toney, the future members of Dude Perfect.
After graduating with a degree in finance and real estate, Jones briefly worked in real estate before joining his friends in launching the Dude Perfect YouTube channel on March 16, 2009. Their debut video, “Backyard Edition,” showcased the group performing increasingly difficult basketball trick shots in their backyard. The video quickly went viral, accumulating over 200,000 views in just one week and signaling the start of their remarkable journey.
Dude Perfect's Backyard Edition video thumbnail
The Rise of Dude Perfect
The success of “Backyard Edition” led to a steady stream of content and a rapid rise in popularity. Dude Perfect soon attracted endorsements and collaboration requests from notable figures, including then-Sacramento Kings player Tyreke Evans. Over the years, they’ve worked with celebrities like actor Paul Rudd, singer Tim McGraw, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Russell Wilson, and even the US Olympics team.
Dude Perfect’s influence extended beyond YouTube. They’ve launched a series of successful mobile games for iOS and Android, and in 2015, they landed a TV series deal with CMT. “The Dude Perfect Show” premiered in early 2016, further solidifying their presence in the entertainment world. They’ve also expanded their YouTube presence with additional channels like DudePerfectTV for vlogs, Dude Perfect Plus for behind-the-scenes content, and Dude Perfect Gaming.
Cody Jones: The Man Behind the Trick Shots
Born on October 9, 1987, in Plano, Texas, Cody Jones grew up in a religious family. A talented basketball player, he was part of his high school team that won the 2005-06 Class 5A State Championship. While his faith wavered briefly during high school, he rediscovered religion three months into his time at Texas A&M. Beyond basketball and trick shots, Jones enjoys playing golf, as seen in their 2017 video “All Sports Golf Battle 2 | Dude Perfect.”
Family Life
After graduating from Texas A&M, Jones married his long-time girlfriend, Allison. They have three children: Landry, born in 2016, Lucy, born in 2018, and Easton, born in 2020.
Conclusion
Cody Jones has played a pivotal role in the success of Dude Perfect. His towering stature, combined with his talent for trick shots and his down-to-earth personality, has made him a beloved figure among fans. From humble beginnings at Texas A&M to international YouTube stardom, Jones’ journey is a testament to the power of friendship, creativity, and a shared passion for entertaining the world.