The first month of the 2025 NFL season featured a ton of adversity for the Kansas City Chiefs. But as they head into Week 5, prayers are pouring in for their top defender, all-world defensive lineman Chris Jones.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Jones revealed that his beloved Aunt Angela passed away of a heart attack during the Chiefs’ Week 3 win over the New York Giants. He said that he only got the news after their big win on Sunday.
“Her name was Angela, she meant a lot. I actually stayed with her for a duration, part of my life, probably 5 or 6 years so she was very close. She was actually watching my game when she passed away so you know, meant a lot to me and my family, huge supporter,” Jones said.
#Chiefs Chris Jones says his Aunt Angela passed away from a heart attack while watching their game against the Giants. He received the news after the win.
“She meant a lot to me.”
Lot of respect for him still playing this past Sunday #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/2nQCivr21w
— Matt Foster (@MattFosterTV) October 3, 2025
Chiefs fans have been offering their prayers and support for Jones after the news broke:
“Dear goodness. Chris Jones said his aunt had a heart attack while watching the Chiefs Giants game. Passed away unexpectedly after. May she rest in peace,” one user wrote on X.
“Sheesh gotta have love for CJ,” wrote another.
“She was a Chief! Rest In Peace to that Queen,” a third replied.
“That legit hurt to read man. Praying for him and his family.”
Chris Jones’ Career
Jones has built one of the most dominant interior defensive lineman careers in recent NFL history with the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted in the second round (37th overall) in 2016 out of Mississippi State, Jones quickly established himself as a force in both pass rush and run defense. Over his tenure, he has accumulated over 80 sacks, multiple First-Team All-Pro selections (including three in a row from 2022–2024), and six Pro Bowl nods.
On the team success front, Jones has been a cornerstone of a Chiefs organization that captured three Super Bowl titles (LIV, LVII, and LVIII) during his time, and he earned a record-setting contract in 2024 — a five-year deal worth about $158.75 million, with $95 million guaranteed, making him one of the highest-paid defensive tackles in NFL history at the time. His consistent performance, leadership on the interior, and ability to generate pressure from inside have led many analysts to consider him among the best defensive tackles currently playing, with some arguing he is on a path toward Hall of Fame consideration.
