Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones is recognized as one of the top defensive linemen in the NFL. The defensive tackle has been pivotal in leading the Chiefs through three Super Bowl appearances.
On “The Rich Eisen Show,” Jones mentioned the late Kobe Bryant as a significant source of inspiration. He reflected on how Bryant emphasized the importance of performing well in crucial moments. For Jones, he equates critical third-down situations in football to Bryant’s perspective on the fourth quarter in basketball.
“I listen to a lot of Kobe Bryant and he just talked about certain moments, viewed certain things … and you kind of get an extra boost of energy,” Jones stated. “Kobe talked about the fourth quarter. For me, I try to associate the fourth quarter with like the third down, the fourth downs—critical situations where that ‘Mamba Mentality’ [is] coming about for me.”
After the 2023 season, Jones became a free agent but was re-signed by the Chiefs to a five-year contract worth $158.75 million, which includes $101 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history based on average annual value.
Jones has all the credentials of a future Hall of Famer. Drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he has established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive players.
In 2018, he recorded 15.5 sacks and was named an All-Pro, although he missed out on the Pro Bowl that year. He earned Pro Bowl honors the following year and has continued to be selected for five consecutive seasons. Additionally, he has received five All-Pro honors and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Throughout his nine-year career with the Chiefs, Jones has tallied 78.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 282 tackles, 37 pass deflections, and two interceptions. In the current season’s first four weeks, he has made nine tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble, helping lead a defense that ranks among the top eight for points and rushing yards allowed per game.
Currently, the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs stand at 4-0 and will aim to continue their winning streak against the New Orleans Saints on Monday.
