Arrowhead Pride
Chris jones talks preparation, brotherhood and a respect for the Eagles’ trenches
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones is sticking to what has made him one of the most dominant forces in the NFL — his routine, preparation and the strong bond within the locker room.
For Jones, the Super Bowl stage doesn’t bring added pressure. Instead, it’s just another game, another moment he’s spent years preparing for.
“There’s no pressure,” said Jones. “I’ve been preparing for this for so long, for these moments. I’m familiar with this, with the environment and how big the game is. So there’s really no pressure. It’s more so for me just preparing, making sure my preparation is on point, making sure I don’t do nothing out of the ordinary or change up anything.”
That preparation includes a meticulous routine — one that Jones refuses to deviate from, even in the biggest game of the year.
“I have a routine throughout the week I like to stick to,” he added. “I wear the same gloves, wear the same cleats. I don’t change up cleats throughout the season. My gloves smell like a dead animal. Especially if I get a sack in them, it’s over with. I’m not changing them up. Here lately, I’ve been wearing long sleeves. We haven’t lost a long sleeve on since I have been wearing long sleeves, knock on wood.”
Beyond the individual grind, Jones embraces the brotherhood inside the Chiefs’ locker room, particularly within the defensive line.
“I love being part of the Chiefs organization,” said Jones. “I love the brotherhood we’ve established, especially in the D-line room, who I spend a lot of time with. I have so much respect for my coach, my position coach, Joe Cullen, and then my mentor Spags, you know. So for me, going into work, it’s not like work. It’s something I love to do. And also, I get to be around the game that I love to play.”
With the season's biggest test ahead, Jones recognizes the challenge the Eagles’ offensive line presents. He knows he’ll be facing one of the best units in the league, but that’s exactly what fuels his competitive fire.
“I think they’re one of the better offensive linemen in the league,” Jones said. “Last week, two weeks ago, we had to face another really good offensive lineman, and this year, it’s an even bigger test with a heck of a team organization.”
Philadelphia’s front office has built a dominant line, something Jones acknowledged heading into Sunday’s game.
“Howie Roseman has done a heck of a job of getting guys in there and building their program, especially the offensive line,” Jones said. “They brought [Mekhi] Beckham in from New York Jets, put him at guard. I think he’s having a better year. Lane Dickerson has been doing his thing, you know what I mean?”
At the end of the day, Jones is embracing...
