Chris Jones found himself $1.25 million richer after successfully sacking Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Easton Stick during Sunday’s game. Post-victory, Jones revealed his plans for the windfall, announcing, “The entire [defensive line] is getting Rolex watches.” The sack marked his 10.5th of the season, triggering a bonus specified in his contract from the season’s outset. Jones extended the generosity, stating, “[Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo] gets a Rolex, the coaches get a Rolex because I believe it takes a collective effort to achieve such goals.”
The celebration was palpable as Jones and his teammates reveled on the field and sidelines. Having shared his Rolex aspirations with fellow linemen beforehand likely fueled the joyous atmosphere. Charles Omenihu, a celebrating defensive lineman, expressed admiration, stating, “I’ve never been with an older guy who did something like that. So that’s a special thing. Pretty cool.”
Despite the Chiefs having already secured the AFC West title and the third conference playoff seed the previous week, they opted to rest stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce against the Chargers. Jones, having negotiated with Coach Andy Reid to play only the first quarter, found himself pleading for an additional series after failing to secure a sack in the initial period. Grateful for the chance, Jones said, “One quarter turned to two quarters. I am so thankful to Coach Reid that he allowed me to play because this was more about the bye week. I didn’t have to play, but the team allowed me to play. So super grateful.”
Jones had come close to sacking Stick multiple times earlier in the game but couldn’t bring him down. Just before the decisive sack, he had a conversation with Stick during an injury timeout, declaring, “I told him, ‘I’m going to keep chasing you because I want my sack. I’m going to get you, too.'”
Reid explained his decision to play Jones in what many considered an inconsequential game, citing the financial incentive, saying, “He wanted the opportunity, so I gave him the opportunity to start off with third downs, and then as it went on, he played a couple first and second downs. [The $1.25 million], that’s a couple of cheeseburgers right there.”
In the end, it appears that one man’s Rolex watches are another man’s cheeseburgers.
