Chris Jones was all smiles following Kansas City's training camp practice on Sunday, his first one since 2022.
This time last year, the Chiefs' defensive star was in the thick of a contract holdout with the club, which bled into the season opener. Jones eventually became the league's richest interior defensive lineman and the Chiefs went on to win a second straight Super Bowl title as the result of an eventful 2023 campaign.
Jones, who turned 30 earlier this month, explained this offseason why he believes some breaks during training camp would be beneficial, calling for off days this summer but only with Andy Reid's permission. After participating on Sunday, Jones maintained his position with the Chiefs head coach, albeit with a hint of witticism.
“Listen man, I just hope coach Reid feels it in his heart to understand that 30 hits different," Jones quipped.
Jones' participation clearly spells out his commitment to the club despite the offseason plea, but the five-time Pro Bowler went on to give a sensible explanation in regards to why he can use the off days, comparing his training camp work with that of tight end Travis Kelce.
"You know, I was just talking to someone comparing me and Travis," he said. "I was telling them Travis’ job is a little bit more easier than mine because I’m fighting 300 pounds every play and Travis is catching the ball fighting 140 pounds, you know.
"I just hope that (Reid) finds it in his amazing heart to give me a day or two off coming up. We’ll talk about it and have further conversations. Maybe I need to have a one-on-one with (Brett) Veach and talk to my guy Clark (Hunt). We are going to figure this thing out.”
Jones is coming off consecutive All-Pro seasons after producing 10.5 sacks, 39 QB pressures, 29 QB hits and 13 tackles for loss in 2023. He guided the youngest defensive unit in the NFL to another arduous yet successful playoff run that ended with him winning his third Super Bowl ring in five seasons, the latest of which came without his presence beforehand at training camp.
The impact Jones has on the Chiefs' defense is invaluable and so too is his leadership in an ongoing dynasty, something felt when asked by reporters what his message to the team is on the first day of camp.
“I think the core values of the team," Jones said. "Be humble, stay hungry and I think that’s the core value of every year. Coming in humble and hungry, you know, it’s a new year and new beginning. We have a new team. Last year’s team was successful in accomplishing the overall goal of winning a championship. This year it’s all about new challenges. We have a lot of new guys and a lot of new challenges ahead of us and we are excited for it.”
Kansas City will be looking to become the NFL's first three-peat Super Bowl champions in 2024, an opportunity that comes once in a blue moon. Jones also has lofty goals for himself along with that endeavor, saying recently that he's eyeing a 20-sack season in 2024.
When it's all said and done, Jones wants to leave his imprint on the game of football, let alone his career in Kansas City. All the reason why he'll be putting his best foot forward through the dog days of summer.
“I think chasing history is all part of it," he said. "When a lot of players retire, they always say that they want to leave the game better than they started. If we can get this three-peat and continue to adding legacy to the Kansas City Chiefs, I think that would be a huge accomplishment, not only for us but for the NFL.”