"I won't be playing then": Chris Jones opens up about retirement amid Chiefs' $3,000,000,000 plan to move to Kansas City

Chris Jones opened up about the Chiefs' confirmed plan to leave Arrowhead Stadium and move to Kansas in 2031. The veteran defensive tackle made it clear that the franchise’s next chapter will not include him on the field.

“Whatever they do, that’s 2031,” Jones said to reporters on Wednesday. “Yeah, I won’t be playing then. I hope I have a seat somewhere in the suite or somewhere wherever they play.”

Jones would be 37 by the time the new stadium opens. He is under contract through 2028 on a five-year, $158.75 million deal. Jones' remarks suggest that he may retire before the relocation. The Chiefs are preparing for a $3.3 billion public-private stadium project in Kansas, with the state contributing $1.8 billion through STAR bonds.

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While Jones has accepted the move, his attachment to Arrowhead Stadium remains.

“That’s so far away, yet so close," Jones said. "Wherever we play it for the next few, I’ll be appreciative. I have so much love for Kansas City, Missouri and Kansas.”

He also reflected on the stadium's legacy.

“There’s a lot of history in that stadium," Jones said. "And like Mr. (Clark) Hunt said, his father was all about evolving. And these fans are loyal."

“I play to win rings, man”: Chris Jones downplays Pro Bowl honor

Chris Jones made it clear that individual recognition means little to him after being named to the Pro Bowl despite a disappointing season. The defensive end, who is in his 10th NFL season, addressed the honor while speaking to the media.

“None of it really matters," Jones said. "I play to win rings, man. It’s never been my goal to make Pro Bowls. I missed the Pro Bowl with 15.5 sacks, so it just shows you how the Pro Bowl is."

Kansas City reached the Super Bowl in each of the previous three seasons, which often kept Jones out of Pro Bowl appearances. However, the Chiefs have already been eliminated from playoff contention.

Jones' performance has declined statistically. He has recorded 24 tackles, four sacks and two pass deflections in 15 games, well below his previous dominant production. But opposing offenses continue to game-plan around him, and his presence still anchors the defensive front.

Jones has already won three Super Bowls and appeared in five. Kansas City will close the campaign against the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez