Why Does Chris Jones Cry Before Every Game? The Story Behind It Will Break Your Heart

Before every major NFL showdown, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones stands tall on the field—but with tears streaming down his face. It’s become a ritual that surprises many and moves even more. And once you understand why, you’ll never see those tears the same way again.

In a deeply emotional interview with NPR on February 8, 2025, Jones opened up about the powerful reason he cries during the national anthem. His tears are not from pressure or nerves, but from reflection—of pain, perseverance, and profound gratitude. The root of it all goes back to a childhood moment in his hometown of Houston, Mississippi, long before NFL stardom or multimillion-dollar contracts.

“There was this kid at church,” Jones recalled, “and he stood up so an elderly woman could sit down. He didn’t even hesitate. That stuck with me forever. It showed me what selflessness looks like.” That small, quiet moment of compassion planted something in Jones—a value system that still drives him today.

As the anthem plays before each game, Jones allows himself to remember everything: his mother working double shifts, the sacrifices his family made, the struggles he overcame just to reach the field. “It’s my time to honor where I came from,” he said. “I think about that little boy. I think about my journey. And I thank God for letting me be here.”

For Kansas City fans, Jones’s visible emotion has become more than a ritual—it’s a symbol of heart. Many even believe it’s a good luck charm. “If Chris cries, we’re gonna win,” one fan commented during last season’s playoff run, echoing a sentiment that’s taken root in Chiefs Kingdom.

Despite the tears, Jones still keeps a sense of humor. “I’m gonna need a Kleenex deal soon,” he laughed. “Might as well put the tissues on the sideline with my helmet.”

But behind the jokes lies a deeply human truth: Chris Jones wears his heart as visibly as his jersey. And as long as he keeps crying during the anthem, fans will keep believing that his tears aren’t just emotional—they’re magical.