Kansas City Chiefs DT Chris Jones discusses what his priorities are for the rest of the 2024 season

If the Kansas City Chiefs are going to accomplish the NFL's first ever three-peat, defensive tackle Chris Jones is going to play a huge role in it.

The Chiefs' defense has picked up where it left off last year as one of the best units in the league. It ranks in the top 10 in rushing yards, total yards and points allowed. Jones, as usual, is leading the way with 11 tackles, three sacks, 18 quarterback pressures and a forced fumble. 

Those aren't gaudy numbers, but Jones' impact goes well beyond the stat sheet. He is constantly taking on double and even triple team blocks because just one person simply cannot contain him. Unfortunately, that typically goes unnoticed when it comes to handing out awards.

Whiles Jones was speaking to the media on Thursday, he was asked what winning Defensive Player of the Year would mean to him both professionally and personally. 

"I think, as a personal aspect and as a selfish individual, looking at it from just my perspective, it would mean a lot," Jones said. "But, I'll take a damn Super Bowl over a DPOY (Defensive Player of the Year) any day. You know what I mean? You look at JJ Watt, right? I have so much respect for JJ Watt, one of my favorite all-time players. I'm quite sure he'll trade all three of his DPOY's for three Super Bowls, right? So, you're talking to a guy who got three Super Bowls. I mean, we win another Super Bowl, middle fingers up to DPOY, okay? But, we win another Super Bowl with a DPOY, okay, now we're talking. (Laughter). You know what I mean? So, like, personal stats, man, you know, if it equals team success, I'm all for it."

Jones' response is very honest and authentic, which is how he's always carried himself. He consistently puts team accomplishments first, but doesn't shy away from the fact that he would love to win DPOY in addition to winning another championship. If he's able to do so, it would solidify him as a Hall of Famer, if he isn't already. 

The impact that Jones has on most games is certainly DPOY worthy, but with the way offenses attack Jones it's going to be an uphill battle for him to post the statistics necessary to win the award. However, it's not impossible, especially if he can go on a hot streak with sacks. The return of fellow defensive lineman Charles Omenihu, who should be back soon, will help free Jones up a bit.