Kansas City Chiefs fans have been spoiled in the Patrick Mahomes era. With no end to the dominating reign of their team in sight, 2022 looks like a huge opportunity for another run at the Super Bowl. Serious considerations were made to bolster the defense in the offseason, especially in the draft, and a re-tooled Tyreek Hill-less offense has the potential to reveal some new stars this season.
Unlike in previous seasons, both sides of the ball have equally high expectations following the Chiefs’ loss in the AFC title game. Kansas City’s players seem particularly keyed in on their mutual goal. Anything less than another ring will be a failure for this team, everybody knows it, and as of Monday, the race is officially on.
Defensive wrecking ball Chris Jones knows that the fans will be behind this squad no matter what the outcome may be next February. In comments to reporters following Thursday’s practice, he talked about how the fanbase’s fervor serves as the wind in the team’s sails, even if only while they practice.
“It’s amazing.” He said of the support they’ve had at Missouri Western State in St. Joseph. “Actually, I started missing football. I want to be around my teammates, I want to be around the culture. Especially with the fan base, one of the best fan bases in the NFL. Our fans support us through thick and thin. And we’ve been fortunate enough to give back to them with four AFC (championships).
“That’s a journey (that) starts here. You see how full it is out there on a day-to-day basis and these are just the first two days. I appreciate the support from our fan base. I love you KC when they watch this. It’s very encouraging to us to see how many people come out here and support us.”
Knowing their support makes an impact will only serve to get fans more riled up ahead of the first preseason game in August. There is just over a month before games-that-count begin, and now is the time to start feeling the passion once again. Jones certainly is, and if his remarks are any indication, that won’t be changing any time soon.
