Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to the media during Kansas City Chiefs media availability ahead of Super Bowl LVIII at Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa on February 07, 2024 in Henderson, Nevada
Kansas City Chiefs fans will have another chance to see one of Chris Jones’ most talked-about television appearances when FOX re-airs the two-hour cancer awareness special “The Real Full Monty” on Wednesday, February 18.
The special originally aired on December 9, 2024, and featured Anthony Anderson, Taye Diggs, Tyler Posey, Bruno Tonioli, Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, and James Van Der Beek performing choreographed striptease routines to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer.
FOX announced the re-airing as a tribute to actor Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 after battling colorectal cancer.
Chris Jones Brings Energy to ‘The Real Full Monty’
Starcade Media
Chris Jones is going full monty on Dec 9th on FOX to raise money for cancer testing & research! 😳
via | @FOXTV
Jones, a three-time Super Bowl champion and one of the NFL’s top defensive players, fully committed to the performance. The special drew inspiration from the British television events and the 1997 film “The Full Monty.”
In a clip previously obtained by TMZ Sports ahead of the original airing, Jones spoke about stepping outside his comfort zone.
“I’m trying to show ’em big guys can jig, too,” Jones said. “We can be flexible, we can do everything small guys do. And we will look better doing it because we’re so big, you can’t miss us.”
Jones acknowledged that he did not have extensive dance experience but said he would rise to the occasion. The special’s choreography was done by Mandy Moore, who also happens to have done Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour.
Anthony Anderson also shared details about Jones’ participation during an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark” in November 2024.
“I think they had to bring in extra material or some kind of strange material for his thong. I mean, the man is massive. He’s massive,”
Anderson said, jokingly clarifying, “I mean massive in height and weight, that’s what I’m talking about. Get your mind out of the gutter.”
Chris Jones’ Ongoing Support for Cancer Awareness
Charles Goldman
#Chiefs DT Chris Jones on his appearance on Full Monty: “It was to bring awareness to cancer and make sure people were aware of the effect it has on people’s lives.”
On his experience: “It was amazing, it’s not like the world hasn’t already seen me full monty.” 😂🤣
The special also highlighted how cancer has affected the participants personally. Jones has previously supported cancer research efforts in Kansas City.
In 2017, Jones visited the University of Kansas Health System’s Cancer Center when the Chiefs contributed to a $200,000 research grant. During that visit, Jones expressed appreciation for the researchers’ work.
“Since they let me in and showed me their field of work, I wanted to invite them to my field of work,” Jones said at the time. “You know, you never really think about the people behind the job. All you know is that people get cancer, and they’re trying to find a way to fight it. I was actually seeing what they go through and how they do it.”
FOX Honors James Van Der Beek in Tribute Re-Air
FOX addressed Van Der Beek’s passing in a Facebook post, noting that he was among the first celebrities to volunteer for the special.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of James Van Der Beek. An extraordinarily gifted actor, he was adored by generations of audiences for his breakthrough roles and thoughtful performances,” the network wrote.
“When we began casting FOX’s cancer awareness special The Real Full Monty, James was among the first to step forward. Facing his own health challenges, he chose to share his story with remarkable courage and generosity, using his voice to raise awareness around cancer screening and encourage others to take their health seriously.”
The statement continued, “Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly, their children, and all who loved him. He will be remembered not only for his body of work, but for his warmth, honesty, and grace.”
Van Der Beek shared his diagnosis with the cast during rehearsals for the special.
Fans who missed Jones’ original performance — or simply want to relive one of his most unexpected television moments — can tune in at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Fox to watch the special and support the cause.