Kansas City Chiefs Chris Jones fends off Clark Hunt naysayers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City Chiefs star defensive tackle Chris Jones is excited to be reunited with some of his teammates for the 2024 season, but he still has a bone to pick with the NFL Players Association.

Last season, the Chiefs’ defense played a crucial role in the team’s second straight Super Bowl victory, allowing the team to rank second in fewest points allowed per game at the end of the season.

During the offseason, the Chiefs said goodbye to some defensive backs like cornerback L’Jarius Sneed (of the Tennessee Titans) and linebacker Willie Gay (of the New Orleans Saints) and re-signed Jones, defensive end Mike Danna, LB Drue Tranquill and DT. Derrick Nnadi towards new contracts.

Jones was so excited to bring in some of his defensive teammates. However, he also had strong feelings for the players who anonymously voted Chiefs owner Clark Hunt as the worst owner in the National Football League.

“Double pigeons for everyone who gave my owner an F+. He’s got an A+ in my book,” Jones said Wednesday, raising two middle fingers.

Hunt received an F on the Chiefs NFL Players Association report card which rates each NFL team based on several categories such as cafeteria, team travel, facilities and treatment of families on game day.

This ranking is based on players’ belief that they are the least willing to invest in team facilities among all NFL owners/ownership groups.

The main complaint concerns the training center locker room, where players have been given new chairs with backs instead of stools. It was in response to last year’s newsletter who received a D.

They were promised a renovated locker room after the 2022 season and the players returned from their Super Bowl victory to the same locker room, except for the added chairs in front of their locker.

Jones mentioned the contract extensions of head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and DL coach Joe Cullen to explain why Hunt deserves an A+ grade. He also pointed to the extensions of Danna and DTs Tershawn Wharton and Mike Pennel for his reasons.

Jones signed a five-year, $158.75 million contract with $95 million guaranteed during the offseason. He is on pace to earn the highest annual DT salary in NFL history.

“The moves (Hunt) made this offseason (were) high priority moves and put this team in position to win again,” Jones said. “So I congratulate the Hunt family on that and I’m excited, man.”

“We have a lot of guys returning on the D line that we had last year. So the chemistry within the group continues to grow from that. “

Jones continued: “Everyone is healthy, knock on wood, we are waiting for Charles Omenihu to return. He played a big role with us last year, so we’re in a positive direction right now.

Jones had 10.5 sacks last season, which helped him reach a $1.25 million bonus on his contract. He withstood all offseason workouts last season and missed the season opener while negotiating a new contract with the team in February.

This offseason, Jones is humorously relishing staying in a dorm at Missouri Western State University in Saint Joseph for training camp.

“I’m here. Last year I didn’t. I have to report to training camp, last year I didn’t,” Jones said with a laugh. “My mental was like, ‘S—, I have to stay in the dorm. Last year, I didn’t, I slept in my own bed.

“It’s a mental challenge, but overall I’m in a good frame of mind. I’m happy to be here. Glad to be back on the Kansas City team. I’m happy to be back in the organization. I think it’s a plus for both of us, and I’m excited to be back here.