QL.Chiefs All-Pro Defensive Tackle Chris Jones And His Aunt Don Who Passed Away, She Was A Big Part Of His Life. Sunday He Flew To Mississippi To Attend Her Funeral And Returned In Time To Play Against The Raven

Chris Jones — the power of family

Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro star Chris Jones has been known not only for his outstanding defensive abilities but also for his love of family and resilience. Throughout his successful career, he has always talked about his loved ones — and recently, a big loss has touched the heart of No. 95.

Over the weekend, Jones flew to Mississippi to attend the funeral of his aunt Don — a grandmother he once said was “a big part of my life.”

The family arranged the funeral so he could pay his respects and get back on the field in time.

Quiet in mourning — back to fight

Jones returned to Kansas City just 45 minutes before kickoff, missing pre-game warmups. People.com
Underneath his funeral attire — the black suit he wore to his aunt’s funeral — he walked onto Arrowhead Stadium with a slight smile, but his eyes held a range of emotions.

He had flown in by private plane from Mississippi on Sunday morning — and was accompanied by a police escort to get to the field.

Despite his fatigue and heavy mood, Jones played strong: he had a tackle for loss, a pass interception, and two quarterback hits.

NFL.com

The Chiefs won 37-20 over the Baltimore Ravens in a tense game.

Words from the Heart

Jones shared:

“Any time you lose someone you love, cherish, and care about, it’s tough… But being around good energy, good people — it makes you feel better.”

With the team, Jones sees his “dressing room brothers” as a second family:

“They are my brothers… We spend a lot of time together. They are very supportive throughout this process.”

And he confided that football has become a place where he finds escape:

“Football is where I can escape from the reality that is happening, and have fun playing like a kid in the yard again.”

Flowers in the dark

Chris Jones’ story on Sunday was not only a testament to the “carrying on” of a top athlete, but also a reminder: behind the armor, the victories, there are people with hearts that know how to love and suffer.

While the audience sees the tackles, the pressure on the opponent — they may not see the sadness, the longing, the silent tears of Jones. But he brought his family to the field, turning his pain into strength — playing not just for himself or the team, but for the memory and love of his Aunt Don.

In that darkness, Jones was an unyielding torch.