Kansas City Chiefs’ Chris Jones has been one of the best defensive linemen in the NFL today. The star defensive tackle led the Chiefs to their three Super Bowl runs and has been a core of their defense.
Jones guested on “The Rich Eisen Show” on Wednesday, citing the late Kobe Bryant as a major influence to his drive. He said Kobe always used to talk about playing hard when it counts the most. Influenced by the “Black Mamba,” Jones viewed third-down situations like Bryant did the fourth quarter of a basketball game.
“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 said. “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.”
Chris Jones became a free agent after the 2023 season. The Chiefs re-signed him to a five-year deal worth $158.75 million that included $101 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history in terms of average annual value.’
Chris Jones: a future Hall of Famer
With all he’s accomplished in his career thus far, Chris Jones has all the makings of a future NFL Hall of Famer. The Kansas City Chiefs’ second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has proven to be one of the best defensive players in the league since his debut.
The Chiefs’ defensive tackle recorded 15.5 sacks in 2018 and was named an All-Pro, though he came short of being named a Pro Bowler. He earned that distinction the following year and has been a Pro Bowler for five consecutive seasons. He also has five All-Pro honors to his name, and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.
Jones has recorded 78.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, 282 tackles, 37 pass deflections, and two interceptions in his ongoing nine-year pro career with the Chiefs. In the first four weeks of this season, he has recorded a total of nine tackles, three sacks, and one forced fumble. He has led a defensive lineup that ranks in the top eight for points allowed and rushing yards allowed per game.
Chris Jones and the Kansas City Chiefs are currently undefeated at 4-0. They will be looking to extend their winning streak against the New Orleans Saints on Monday.
