Despite being married to one of the most well-known running backs in professional football, Ashley Jones Drew strikes me as someone who has purposefully chosen a life away from the spotlight. Ashley discreetly concentrated on family, stability, and helping those closest to her, while Maurice Jones Drew exploited speed, tenacity, and fortitude to build a legendary NFL career. Their narrative is more about raising a close-knit family, dedication, and shared beliefs than it is about celebrity.
The material that is currently accessible about Ashley paints a picture of a loving wife, mother, and partner whose influence extends well beyond football, despite the fact that there is still little public knowledge about her. Maurice’s extraordinary family background and her travels combine to tell a tale of love, tenacity, and camaraderie.
Basic Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashley Jones Drew (née Hamasaki, also spelled Hamaski in some records) |
| Known For | Wife of former NFL star Maurice Jones Drew |
| Heritage | Japanese and Hawaiian |
| Profession | Cosmetology graduate |
| Married | April 1, 2012 |
| Wedding Location | Pleasanton, California |
| Children | Maurice “Deuce,” Alayah, and Madden |
| Residence | Northern California |
Ashley Jones Drew’s Early Life
I find Ashley’s early story particularly interesting because so much of it remains private. Unlike many spouses of professional athletes, she has never actively sought media attention or built a public profile through interviews or social media.
Ashley has been described as having Japanese and Hawaiian heritage, something Maurice proudly mentioned during his early NFL years. Around the beginning of 2006, she completed cosmetology school while Maurice prepared for the NFL Scouting Combine.
At a time when many young couples faced uncertain futures, Ashley and Maurice were building one together. He pursued a professional football career while she prepared for a career in cosmetology. Their paths reflected ambition in different forms, each supporting the other’s goals.
A Relationship That Began at UCLA
During his time at UCLA, when he developed into one of the most explosive running backs in college football, Ashley and Maurice began dating.
Their friendship had a significant basis during those college years. Ashley continued to be a part of Maurice’s support network while he juggled intense practices, national exposure, and academic obligations.
During one of the most significant changes in Maurice’s life, the relationship persisted. He joined the Jacksonville Jaguars after declaring for the 2006 NFL Draft, and he soon emerged as one of the most effective running backs in the league.
The abrupt changes that come with professional athletics cause problems for many relationships. Instead, Ashley and Maurice kept developing as a couple despite moving to new places, having hectic schedules, and receiving more attention from the public.
Marriage and Building a Family
Ashley and Maurice married on April 1, 2012, in Pleasanton, California.
Their wedding came during an exciting chapter of their lives because they were expecting their third child. Rather than rushing into marriage early in their relationship, they waited until they had already established a strong family foundation.
Their marriage has now lasted through Maurice’s playing career, retirement, broadcasting work, coaching responsibilities, and the beginning of their children’s athletic journeys.
In many ways, their relationship resembles the roots of a strong oak tree. While the branches continue growing in new directions, the foundation remains steady.
Meet the Jones Drew Children
Ashley and Maurice have three children who represent the next generation of the family’s athletic and academic legacy.
Maurice “Deuce”
The oldest son, often called Deuce, has followed closely in his father’s footsteps.
He became a standout running back at De La Salle High School in Concord, California, the same legendary football program where Maurice once starred.
His football success eventually led to a commitment to UCLA, continuing another family tradition. Watching father and son share similar paths from De La Salle to UCLA creates a remarkable full circle story.
Alayah
Ashley and Maurice’s daughter, Alayah, attends Carondelet High School.
Although she maintains a lower public profile than her older brother, she remains an important part of the family’s educational journey and close family life.
Madden
The youngest child, Madden, represents the family’s future generation.
As the youngest member of the household, he has grown up surrounded by football, education, and community involvement that have become central to the Jones Drew family identity.
Maurice Jones Drew’s Extraordinary Family History
To understand Ashley’s family life today, I have to appreciate the remarkable family that shaped Maurice long before he entered the NFL.
Maurice Christopher Jones Drew was born on March 23, 1985, in Oakland, California.
Although his biological parents were Andrea Drew and Sidney Gayle, Maurice spent much of his childhood being raised by his maternal grandparents.
Their influence became one of the defining stories of his life.
The Grandfather Who Changed Everything
Maurice Jones, Ashley’s father in law through marriage, left an extraordinary legacy.
Born on April 23, 1936, he worked as a probation officer for nearly three decades while dedicating countless hours to raising his grandson.
He introduced young Maurice to organized sports, drove him to practices, attended every game possible, and became his greatest supporter.
Even after suffering serious heart problems in the early 1990s, he remained deeply involved in his grandson’s development.
His sudden death from a heart attack on September 10, 2005, while arriving at UCLA’s game against Rice, became one of the most emotional moments in Maurice’s life.
Afterward, Maurice honored his grandfather by wearing “Jones Drew” on his jersey, permanently connecting his professional identity with the man who helped shape him.
Christina Jones and Her Lasting Influence
Maurice’s grandmother, Christina Jones, also played an enormous role.
She encouraged activities many young football players never considered, including ballet and gymnastics.
Those classes improved Maurice’s balance, flexibility, and body control, skills that later became trademarks of his elusive running style.
Sometimes the smallest childhood decisions create the biggest future advantages.
Andrea Drew’s Determination
Maurice’s mother, Andrea Drew, demonstrated remarkable perseverance.
As a single mother for much of Maurice’s childhood, she worked multiple jobs to support her family.
Years later, during Maurice’s NFL career, she experienced a serious case of fungal meningitis in 2010 and spent approximately two and a half months hospitalized.
Throughout that difficult period, Maurice traveled frequently to remain by her side while Ashley helped support family logistics during the challenging time.
The experience strengthened the family’s already close bonds.
Life Beyond Professional Football
After retiring from the NFL following the 2014 season, Maurice entered broadcasting and football analysis.
His work expanded across television, radio, and professional football coverage while eventually leading him back to De La Salle High School as a coach.
Ashley has remained largely behind the scenes throughout these transitions.
Rather than becoming a public personality herself, she has continued prioritizing family life while Maurice pursued new professional opportunities.
A Family Dedicated to Education
In 2024, the Jones Drew family tale reached one of its most significant turning points.
With a seven-figure gift, Ashley and Maurice contributed to the greatest alumni donation in De La Salle High School history.
Their kindness funded educational projects, such as financial aid programs for students.
This behavior, in my opinion, says a lot.
The family made investments in the next generation rather than only commemorating Maurice’s sporting achievements.
Their donation is an expression of appreciation to the institution that helped mold Maurice into a student-athlete and opened doors for many others.
Family Values That Continue Across Generations
Several themes consistently appear throughout Ashley and Maurice’s family story.
Education remains a priority alongside athletics.
Community involvement extends beyond football.
Family loyalty continues across multiple generations.
Their children now attend many of the same schools that influenced Maurice’s development, creating continuity between past and present.
The Bay Area remains the family’s home, connecting their personal history with their future.
FAQ
Who is Ashley Jones Drew?
Ashley Jones Drew is the wife of former NFL running back Maurice Jones Drew. She is known for maintaining a private lifestyle while focusing on her family and supporting her husband’s career and community involvement.
What is Ashley Jones Drew’s background?
Ashley has Japanese and Hawaiian heritage. She completed cosmetology school around early 2006 before Maurice entered the NFL.
When did Ashley and Maurice Jones Drew get married?
They married on April 1, 2012, in Pleasanton, California.
How many children do Ashley and Maurice Jones Drew have?
They have three children: Maurice “Deuce,” Alayah, and Madden.
Who raised Maurice Jones Drew?
Maurice was primarily raised by his maternal grandparents, Maurice Jones and Christina Jones, whose guidance greatly influenced both his personal development and football career.
Why is Maurice Jones Drew known by the surname Jones Drew?
After the death of his grandfather Maurice Jones in September 2005, Maurice chose to wear the surname “Jones Drew” to honor the grandfather who helped raise him and inspired much of his success.
Where does the Jones Drew family live?
The family has established its home in Northern California, maintaining strong ties to the Bay Area and De La Salle High School.
What role does Ashley Jones Drew play in the family’s public life?
Ashley prefers to stay out of the public spotlight. She is most often recognized through her role as a supportive wife, devoted mother, and partner in the family’s educational and charitable efforts.
What charitable work is the Jones Drew family known for?
In 2024, Ashley and Maurice helped make a seven figure donation to De La Salle High School, supporting educational programs and opportunities for students, marking the largest alumni gift in the school’s history.
