Just hours before the kickoff of the Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones attended his aunt’s funeral in Mississippi. He then boarded a flight back to Kansas City that was scheduled to land less than an hour before the 3:25 p.m. CT kickoff.
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Despite the circumstances, he suited up for his team, drawing admiration from his teammates, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes. “Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on Chris Jones: “We were praying for Chris and we love him…” Charles Goldman reported. “It made guys step up and want to play even harder for him… It speaks to the brotherhood we have in the locker room,” the X post read.
He admired the sense of brotherhood and commitment Jones showed.
The defensive end had missed the pregame workout, and there was some uncertainty about whether he would even start. But just minutes later, he was on the field for the Chiefs’ first defensive snap. This was his fourth straight start of the season. He recorded a quarterback hit on the opening drive, one more hit later in the game, one tackle for loss, and a pass deflection.
Over the last three games, Jones played 85.3% of the Chiefs’ defensive snaps. In that stretch, he’s racked up five tackles, three of them for a loss, and notched his first sack of the season in Week 3. His presence is crucial for the team, and he makes sure to show up when the team needs him.
It wasn’t just Jones. The whole Chiefs squad had to step up for the game to avoid three losses. After the Ravens opened with a touchdown, Kansas City came up empty on its first two drives. Following this, Mahomes led a five-play, 56-yard series that ended with a clutch touchdown pass to wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, giving the Chiefs a six-point lead.
Mahomes had earlier pointed out the offense’s struggles and urged the squad, including himself, to take accountability. So, he had to acknowledge the veteran defensive tackle’s efforts for showing up despite mourning the loss of a loved one. As for Jones, he was also back for one reason.
And it’s the love and support from his teammates, whom he calls his brothers. “It was a lot, overcome with emotions,” Jones said. “But it felt fun to be back on the field with my brothers, enjoy the win, the atmosphere, feeling the energy here,” he explained. He himself shared how the sport became a source of comfort during difficult times.
“Chiefs DT Chris Jones: “Football is my escape, where I can escape from reality and what’s really going on,” he said as he returned for the game. “He says football is like being a kid in the backyard again.”
He was listed on the injury report before the game for a non-injury-related personal matter. The team had arranged a plan that allowed him to attend the funeral and still make it back in time for the game. So, while it was painful for him but football became his safe place, and once on the field, he did what he does best.
The Chiefs delivered one of their best performances, defeating the Ravens 37-20. All in all, Week 4 ended well for the Kansas City.
