Chiefs DT Chris Jones enjoys training camp and begs for days off

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) participates in a drill during NFL football practice in Kansas City, Missouri, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

SAINT JOSEPH, Missouri – Chris Jones loves training camp and he will tell you that with a big grin on his face.

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle missed all of training camp and the first game of the season last year due to a contract break, sparing him dorm life and hot summer workouts at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph, Missouri.

On the way to this season his big paydayHe took part in all training sessions during the off-season and was loudly about how much he was looking forward to it Return to training camp. On the first day of camp, Jones jokingly hoped that head coach Andy Reid would realize that he might need a few days off when the 35-day camp heats up on Day 15 or Day 22.

“I just hope Coach Reid feels it in his heart and understands. 30 (years old) hits differently on the right,” Jones said. Jones turned 30 on July 3.

The biggest opponent to Jones’ request is the 34-year-old star tight end on the other side of the ball, who has also been present at every offseason practice. Travis Kelce turns 35 on October 5, in the middle of the regular season.

Kelce has also managed to train at a high level even during the busy offseason with podcast appearances, televised golf matches and traveling the world to follow his pop star girlfriend Taylor Swift.

If Kelce can do it, Jones can do it too. But the ever-sly and sarcastic Jones finds his reasons in every argument.

“Travis’ job is a little easier than mine because I’m fighting with 300 pounds every game,” Jones said.

“And Travis is catching the ball and wrestling at 135, 140 pounds. I just hope (Reid) finds it in his incredible heart to give me a day or two off shortly. We’ll talk about it, have more conversations. I might have to have a one-on-one with (Chiefs general manager Brett) Veach, talk to my husband (Chiefs chairman/CEO) Clark (Hunt).”

The first day of training camp was surprisingly quiet for the Chiefs. Only two seven-on-seven periods and two team periods, the last period a shortened red zone period.

Jones was in his usual spot at DT and worked on using his hands without padding in practice, but he’s happy to be back in camp.

“It’s been two years since I was last able to be out here with the guys,” he said.

“I love being in this environment where we can all focus on football, get better, compete and challenge each other day in and day out.”

Part of camp life is dorm life. Jones said he brought his own queen-size mattress, a bed he’s sleeping on for the first time “in decades.” But Reid is glad to have Jones’ energy back at camp as the team vie for its third consecutive Super Bowl.

“Listen, Chris is one of the team captains. He’s been that way for a few years now and he’s very well respected,” Reid said.

“(It’s good) to have him here, he brings energy. He always brings energy. He’s having fun out here. I’m glad he’s here.”

Jones has been the anchor of the Chiefs’ defense since being drafted in 2013 and will continue to do so in 2023, recording 10.5 sacks en route to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. He trains each offseason with the intention of earning the coveted NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, which he has yet to receive.

Edge rushers have won the award for the past three years, with the tie being between TJ Watt of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers and Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns. Jones faces stiff competition for the award each year, but with Aaron Donald’s retirement, he will be a contender for the award again this year.

“It’s a commitment and a challenge for me to make my teammates better,” he said.

“No matter how much money it is, how much money I earn, how much money I get, my morals in football never change. I play football because I love the game, not for anything else.”