Chiefs training camp: Chris Jones ready to take on leadership role in the dog days

Kansas City Chiefs training camp is underway, and there’s no contract drama dominating the headlines and distracting from the football on the field. That was the case last year – when defensive tackle Chris Jones sat out the preseason due to contract negotiations.

Thanks to the five-year, $159 million contract the Chiefs signed with Jones this offseason, he’s back in St. Joseph, Missouri, and his teammates are motivated to join in.

“I’m glad to be back,” Jones told reporters after the first full-team practice of camp on Sunday. “It’s been two years since I was last able to be out here with the guys. I love being in this environment where we all have to focus on football, get better, compete and challenge each other day in and day out.”

Jones’ presence is important — and even more so because he’s a veteran. The 2024 season will be his ninth in the NFL, and he’ll be the oldest in an emerging defensive core. The departures of veteran defenders like L’Jarius Sneed, Willie Gay and Mike Edwards have made room for new players who can make their mark.

“This year is all about new challenges,” Jones emphasized. “We have a lot of new people, new challenges ahead of us. We’re looking forward to it.”

Some of those challenges will take place on the practice fields at Missouri Western State University over the next few weeks – and it’s not just about executing a play.

Jones is looking forward to the upcoming dog days.

“There will be adversity,” Jones warned. “On day one, everyone is excited and full of energy. After two weeks and a few training sessions with protective gear, we start to look for energy. I think we can spur each other on.”

“I just try to stay true to my personality and my attitude every day. That gives the guys energy; that’s why I’m here.”

It’s hard to miss the passion Jones has for playing, but at 30 years old, he may need a little more time to recharge. With less than a month to go before this milestone in his life, Jones is getting everything he can out of it in the hopes of getting a few days off soon.

“I hope Coach Reid understands that deep down,” Jones joked. “Thirty shots make a difference.”

On the other side of the ball, tight end Travis Kelce is 34 years old and wants to practice every day he can. Jones made the difference clear.

“Travis’ job is a little easier than mine because I’m fighting 300 pounds every game,” Jones laughed. “We’ll talk about it, have more conversations. I might have to have a one-on-one with (general manager) (Brett) Veach, talk to my husband (owner, chairman and CEO) Clark (Hunt), and we’ll work something out.”

The results of last season’s absence speak for Jones’ desire. In the home stretch, Jones was as dominant as ever.

Financial incentives have driven his performance in some ways, but this year there are no numbers to chase. Jones’ motivation to win Defensive Player of the Year will depend on how much it would help the Chiefs get where they want to go.

“It means I’m doing my part for this team,” Jones replied when asked about his potential to win the award. “I’m being the best player I can be for this team and this organization. I’m also challenging my teammates to be better. That’s my main goal here.”

With Jones potentially playing the rest of his career in Kansas City, he’s focused on being the veteran leader he needs to be for this team, and this training camp will be a big test of that mentality.