Chiefs DT Chris Jones uses football as escape after attending aunt's funeral

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - It was an emotional day for Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who had to attend his Aunt Don's funeral in Mississippi just hours before kickoff on Sunday.

Jones missed warmups but landed in Kansas City at 2:40 p.m., just 45 minutes before kickoff and still made it to the stadium on time to play the first snap.

"It was a lot, overcome with emotions, but it felt fun to be back on the field with my brothers, enjoy the win, the atmosphere, feeling the energy here," Jones said.

Jones was listed on the injury report Saturday afternoon for a non-injury-related personal issue, and the team had formulated a plan where he could attend the game and still arrive on time.

"Left yesterday, came back after the funeral today," Jones said.

"We had it planned out; we had a strategic plan to get me here in time for the game."

Along with the team, the Jones family also played a big part in accommodating him to make sure he could make the game.

"They were very supportive and they were very understanding to the scheduling of things, to schedule the funeral to where I could still make the game and still be supportive on the family aspect of it. I'm super appreciative of them for understanding."

Football was a safe haven for Jones, who was emotional before kickoff, as he rallied behind his teammates and the crowd to get through the game.

"It's tough, any time you lose a loved one, or someone you love and cherish and care about, it's emotional. Being around good energy, good people, it makes you feel good.

"Football is my escape, where I can escape from the reality of what's really going on and just have fun, being like a kid in the backyard playing football again."

And have fun, they did. The Chiefs had a very impressive showing, dominating the Ravens 37-20, putting up one of their most complete performances over the past few seasons.

Jones finished the game with one tackle for loss, one pass deflection and two QB hits to go along with the win, as the defense was a preponent force the entire game. He received a roar from the crowd on his lone tackle in the fourth quarter.

The Chiefs improved to 2-2 and seem to be trending upward. They face the Jaguars next week on Monday Night Football.