Chris Jones has endured a difficult season as the Kansas City Chiefs defense has struggled at times, with the franchise at 5-4 entering Week 11 against the Denver Broncos
19:46 ET, 13 Nov 2025Updated 19:46 ET, 13 Nov 2025
Chris Jones has been a superstar defensive lineman for the Chiefs, but he has endured a down season so far
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Chris Jones has been a superstar defensive lineman for the Chiefs, but he has endured a down season so far(Image: Getty Images)
Kansas City Chiefs star Chris Jones received a touching message of encouragement by owner Clark Hunt’s wife as he returned to social media.
The Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory given their recent successes. If the playoffs began now, Kansas City — which has made each of the past three Super Bowls, winning two — would miss out, which would certainly serve as a surprise.
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Kansas City sits at 5-4, third in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers. The loss to the Buffalo Bills snapped the Chiefs’ three-game winning run, but there have been signs of improvement.
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However, Jones has struggled in 2025. One of the star defensive players of recent years, he is currently ranked 51st among qualifying defensive linemen with just an 8.1 percent pressure rate.
Amid the drop in production, Jones has struggled to impact and affect quarterbacks. He received criticism for his showing in the loss to the Jags, as Jones appeared to give up as Trevor Lawrence scored the game-winning touchdown.
As a result, the 31-year-old stepped away from social media. After a six-week absence, Jones finally returned to Instagram, posting a series of photos along with a caption that read: “Things that’s supposed to happen has already happened or still happening…. A bunch of people I loved now love different things. We could discuss what they like tbh they like anything.”
One of the comments caught the eye. Tavia Hunt, the wife of Chiefs’ owner Clark, commented: “You are so loved and prayed over. Thankful for you and your heart.”
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Tavia Hunt supported Chris Jones on social media
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Tavia Hunt supported Chris Jones on social media(Image: Getty Images)
Jones has struggled, but so has the Chiefs' defense. While Kansas City boasts a No. 4 scoring defense, it ranks 21st in the league with just 20 sacks. Over nine games, Jones has recorded two sacks, 13 tackles, eight quarterback hits, and five tackles for loss. The three-time All-Pro defensive tackle is on pace for a career low in both tackles and sacks since his rookie year in 2016.
Following the declining numbers, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked about Jones and his performances in a press conference. He was clear about what was needed and expected of his star.
“I think we all need to do better. I would say that. Chris (Jones) is always striving to do better every day,” Reid said. “That’s what has made him (Chris Jones) such a good player.
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“Again, he’s the guy that they’re going to focus on, and if you’re getting a double team, that’s who’s getting doubled. And so, he’ll get his as we go forward. It’s just important that he stays consistent and keeps working hard.”
The Chiefs take on the 8-2 Broncos at Mile High on Sunday, Nov. 16.