If you watch a Chiefs game, you notice a common trend. Before every game, the national anthem is played. Fans rise and stand at attention while removing their hats. Players line up on the sideline. Someone sings or plays the national anthem — and Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones cries.
The star defensive player is always shown on camera crying during the national anthem. After big wins, he gets overcome with emotion and often is shown crying again. Sunday night’s 32-29 AFC championship victory over the Bills was no exception, as Jones once again wore his heart on his sleeve in the game’s final moments.
Here is why Jones often cries in big moments.
MORE CHIEFS-BILLS:
- IYER: 3 stats that doomed Josh Allen vs. Patrick Mahomes…again
- Josh Allen devastated in postgame press conference
- Sean McDermott, Josh Allen defend controversial 4th-down call
- Why refs marked Bills short on controversial 4th-down play
- Travis Kelce fires up Taylor Swift, Chiefs crowd with wild postgame interview
- Dalton Kincaid dooms Bills with crucial 4th-down drop
- Patrick Mahomes roasted after failed touchdown spike
- James Cook amazes with highlight-reel TD dive
- Xavier Worthy gets benefit of 'simultaneous possession' on controversial catch
- Travis Kelces gets under Bills' skin, draws penalty in end zone
- Patrick Mahomes breaks streak with first turnover since Week 11
Why was Chris Jones crying vs. Bills?
Jones is a passionate player. He leaves it all on the field, and he is locked in with laser focus until the game is officially in hand. Jones lets himself feel all of the emotion in the pre-game with the anthem and then he flips the switch for the game.
CHRIS JONES IS CRYING WE ARE LOCKED IN pic.twitter.com/vXe3XPXv65
— andrea ⸆⸉ (@taysswizzles) January 26, 2025
The star defensive tackle has said that he just starts to think about everyone and everything that has happened to get him to where he is. After the game, Jones has all of that pent-up emotion and passion, and it just escapes him. Some people just naturally cry when they get really happy, and Jones’ tears are fueled by that, as well as obvious excitement for the Chiefs’ success.
Jones was certainly happy after Sunday’s AFC championship win vs. Buffalo, breaking down on the sideline and hugging teammates as the game’s final moments ticked down.
All the emotions for Chris Jones and the Chiefs ? #BUFvsKC pic.twitter.com/s2HCJO1IbJ
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2025
It was another hard-fought rivalry game between these two powerhouses, with the Chiefs hanging out to eliminate the Bills for the fourth time in the past six seasons. Jones had just one tackle on the evening, but his presence was certainly felt on several plays, including multiple key stops on QB sneaks.
Jones further elaborated on his emotions after the game, saying, “All we wanted was an opportunity to play for [a three-peat]. We’re there.” He added more about how difficult the journey was for the Chiefs despite their sterling record:
Chiefs DT Chris Jones: “You have to start over with the young core you have. . . you have to instill the habits of trust, chemistry. . . build the outfit throughout the year. . . We had to overcome a lot of injuries early on. It tells you about the resilience of this team.”
— Charles Goldman (@goldmctNFL) January 27, 2025
Jones’ tears often coincide with Chiefs wins, so he likely doesn’t mind breaking down like he did on Sunday night. Chiefs’ fans certainly don’t mind it either.
CHRIS JONES IS CRYING pic.twitter.com/rmzuqOXsYK
— ???? (@quote_icy) January 26, 2025
BUY NOW: Get the cheapest Chiefs Super Bowl 59 tickets at StubHub