Chiefs DT Chris Jones requests rest days during training camp

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones turns 30 on July 3 and has seven years of NFL experience under his belt, so it’s safe to say he’s put a lot of strain on his body playing football.

For this reason, Jones has asked Chiefs head coach Andy Reid for some rest days during training camp this summer.

“Listen, man, I’ve already talked to Andy about skipping training camp. I’m a little older, right?” Jones said June 26 at his youth football camp at Blue Valley Southwest High School in Overland Park, via The Kansas City Star. “I can feel it. I can feel it when we have one day in training camp. Then give me two days off and one day off, and maybe we can work something out, you know?”

Although Jones has good reasons to take a few days off, he is still trying to convince Big Red.

“He just looked at me,” Jones said when asked about Reid’s response to his inquiry. “So the conversation is still ongoing.”

Jones also revealed what he thinks would be an appropriate rest day schedule.

“If I can work a day and have a day off, or work a day and have half a day off, I can do that,” Jones said. “I think it’s pretty fun.”

Should the Chiefs grant Chris Jones’ request?

The two-time defending Super Bowl champions have their sights set on winning their third consecutive title, which means that if all goes according to plan, they will be playing in February 2025. If that’s the case, Kansas City’s players will need to stay fit and healthy through the end of the season.

Therefore, it would be wise for the Chiefs to give Jones a break during training camp so that he can be less stressed in July/August and hope that he can have another dominant season once the regular season begins.

Whatever the case, Travis Kelce, Kansas City’s 34-year-old tight end, deserves the same schedule that Jones is demanding.

Chris Jones: “Every year I strive for greatness”

Jones signed a five-year, $158.7 million deal with the Chiefs on March 9. That means Jones is under contract through his 34th season. The five-year extension at age 29 means Kansas City is confident Jones can still play at a high level in his 30s.

Coincidentally, Jones believes the same thing about himself.

“Every year I strive for greatness. I don’t think (any) amount of money is going to change my love and passion for football, no matter how successful I’m going to be,” Jones said during his March 12 press conference. “I always strive for greater heights. So I think the Chiefs understand my perspective on the game and see how much I love football.”

Jones also thanked the people who made his new contract with the Chiefs possible.

“To be honest, there are three people that are the reason this deal happened: Clark Hunt, Brett Veach and (Chris Jones’ agents Jason and Michael) the Katz brothers,” Jones said. “We were able to work with the Hunt family very understandingly. Throughout the journey, hanging in there and actually coming to the game. There are so many ways to see yourself as an owner and he was so patient and understanding. I think we both really wanted this deal to happen. In my eyes, Clark Hunt is an A+.”