When the national anthem starts at the Super Bowl on Sunday, and Louisiana native Jon Batiste begins his performance, it’s likely that Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones will be seen wiping away tears.
This doesn’t happen in every game, but it does seem to happen in all the major games.
However, the tears are not what they might seem. Jones isn’t crying out of overwhelming patriotism, nor is he thinking about nostalgic memories from his childhood in Houston, Mississippi, or reflecting on the people who’ve helped him reach the top of his career.
Instead, these tears are born from anger.
“Quick story. I was watching the movie ‘300.’ One of my favorite movies, you know? Right before they go into battle, you have some like, crying, because they’re so mad. They’re going to war,” Jones explained. “In a sense of playing football, I actually go into that mindframe, like, I might not make it home tonight — knowing I’m going to make it home, but knowing I’m going to war. It’s going to get bloody. It’s going to get physical. I might not make it out. I might make it out.
“So in the midst of the national anthem,” Jones said, “I have to put myself in that mindframe.”
Jones believes the first time tears fell was during the AFC championship game when Kansas City lost to the Patriots in overtime. Since then, cameras often focus on him during “The Star-Spangled Banner,” expecting to catch a moment before the battle begins.
“I’m also retracing and going over all the obstacles it took me to get here, in a sense. Thinking about that, all that manifesting,” Jones continued. “Tears start rolling because I’m so angry. I’m going through so many emotions. Anything (negative) somebody said like, three weeks ago, I’m remembering. I’m just full of emotions.”
Jones’ ability to tap into that emotional mindset has certainly worked out well for him.
After winning his third Super Bowl ring last season, Jones signed a five-year, $158.75 million contract, which could keep him in Kansas City for the rest of his career. Drafted in the second round in 2016, he has been a dominant force, making the Pro Bowl every season for the past six years.
Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate in the 2nd halfBills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who has faced him numerous times, called him “the best defensive player in football.”
“I mean, he is as dynamic as they come,” Brady said.
Jones, 30, only had five sacks this season, a modest number compared to his two seasons with 15 1/2 sacks. But statistics don’t tell the whole story. Even though Jones was double- and triple-teamed, and his sack total dropped, the rest of the Chiefs’ defense took advantage of the opportunities to get to the quarterback.
Defensive end George Karlaftis had eight sacks during the regular season, plus three more in a divisional-round win over the Texans. Defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton had 6 1/2 sacks, nearly doubling his total from the first four years of his NFL career.
“Even when it might not look like it,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said, “Chris is affecting the game.”
Jones will be key in the Super Bowl as well.
He’ll be the first line of defense against Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who has followed up his historic regular season with an even better postseason.
He’ll also be responsible for putting pressure on Jalen Hurts, who has had difficulties when under pressure at times this season.
And in short-yardage situations, when the Eagles line up for their notorious “tush push,” it will be Jones, Wharton, and the rest of the Chiefs defensive line who will need to stop them.
“All we wanted was the opportunity to get here. We’re here,” Jones said. “Now we have to close the deal.”
