Players like Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones stay great because they are always fine-tuning their craft.
Entering his 10th NFL season, Jones is still at the top of his game. In 2024 he led the league in pass rush win rate, despite also receiving the most double teams among all other pass rushers.
Jones' value to Kansas City's defense doesn't end with his skillset, as he has also developed into a great leader and mentor. Following Day 8 of Chiefs training camp on Wednesday, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo told the media that he's noticed how much Jones works on the little things, and teaches others to follow suit.
"Chris seems to be always be the same to me," Spagnuolo said. "I do watch him all the time, whether it's in individual periods when he's over there with Joe (defensive line coach Joe Cullen), or at the end of practice. Chris likes to refine the finer points of his game. I think he does a really good job of that. Then he'll bring along the young guys to do the same thing. I think at this point in his career Chris realizes that details are really important, and I think he's sharing that with these young guys, and hopefully that helps that whole group."
One of the best ways to be a leader is to be your authentic self, which Jones does a great job of. His mentorship will be key this season as the Chiefs try to get young players such as Ashton Gillotte, Omarr Norman-Lott, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah developed.
However, make no mistake, Jones is still forging his own legacy. He trails Tamba Hali by only nine sacks for second in team history in that department, and needs 19.5 more to reach 100 for his career. Jones can also continue to rack up All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections, already owning six of each. Above and beyond all that, he'll look to add more Super Bowl rings to the three he has.
