Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has weighed in on teammate Chris Jones’ recent decision to deactivate his social media accounts following intense criticism after the team’s 31-28 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The three-time All-Pro defensive tackle has faced scrutiny for his effort on the Jaguars’ game-winning touchdown play late in the fourth quarter.
In an Instagram post, Mahomes addressed the growing backlash surrounding Jones’ performance and offered advice to his defensive star. Mahomes wrote,
> “Stay off it as much as possible. If you are going to be on it, I would use it as motivation more than anything.”
The Chiefs quarterback’s message was a leadership show, urging focus amid noise.
Aug 22, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) and quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) and tight end Travis Kelce (87) and defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) watch play against the Chicago Bears during the second half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Jones’ decision to deactivate his social channels came after critics blasted him for standing upright during Trevor Lawrence’s late touchdown scramble that sealed the Jaguars’ victory. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the lapse, [saying](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/chiefs-chris-jones-deactivates-social-media-after-costly-mistake-in-loss-to-jaguars), _“You can’t think that the guy is down. You have to play the play.”_
The defensive lapse adds to Jones’s rough start this season. With only seven tackles and one sack in five games, the 30-year-old has not even registered half the required level of performance expected of a player whose contract is valued at almost $159 million, the richest contract ever experienced by a player in the defensive tackle position. His production has reduced significantly, and there have been just six sacks in the last 20 regular-season games.
However, his fellow employees have defended him. Linebacker Nick Bolton noted that mistakes happen in fast-moving plays and said,
> _“Guys are just trying to play fast and make a play. I’m not harping too much on what the outside people are saying.”_
With Kansas City on the verge of the Sunday prime-time showdown with the soaring Detroit Lions, Mahomes’s words point to maintaining head-on toughness and responsibility in professional sports. By requesting that Jones eliminate negativity, Mahomes solidified a key fact of the NFL age: social media can stimulate and divide a team’s attention.
> One fan expressed frustration, calling it, “This is ridiculous. Leave Chris alone.”
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> While another suggested, “Tell Watson stay off for a while too.”
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> Several fans supported, with one stating, “We ❤️ Chris Jones. The end 😤. Everyone else who is not a true Chiefs fan can just go walk out the door, don’t let it hit you in the face!”
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> While one described social media as cancer, “Social media is a cancer… but I can’t stop.”
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> Meanwhile, others felt that Chris Jones needs to hear the criticism he’s receiving “Nah he needs to hear ts!!”
Mahomes’ advice transforms a moment of backlash into one of leadership, making his quote both literal and symbolic of the Chiefs’ need to regroup off and on the field.