by The Competitive Drive of Chiefs Stars Travis Kelce and Chris Jones
[bg_collapse view=”button-orange” color=”#4a4949″ expand_text=”Show More” collapse_text=”Show Less” ]
The Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as one of the top franchises in the NFL over the last few seasons, making back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in 2019 and 2020. A big part of their success has been the stellar play of tight end Travis Kelce and defensive tackle Chris Jones, two of the team’s biggest stars and leaders. While they play on opposite sides of the ball, Kelce and Jones undoubtedly push each other to be better through their competitive natures and shared drive to win championships.
Travis Kelce has established himself as the top tight end in the league during his eight-year NFL career spent entirely in Kansas City. The 31-year-old is a six-time Pro Bowler and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2020 after recording an eye-popping 105 catches for 1,416 yards and 11 touchdowns. Kelce brings a unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism to his position that makes him nearly impossible for defenders to cover one-on-one. More than just his on-field production, Kelce has also developed into one of the emotional leaders of the Chiefs. He gives fiery pregame speeches to pump up his teammates and is not afraid to call out his fellow players when he sees room for improvement.
“I think it’s very important to be vocal and let guys know what you see out there,” Kelce said. “Whether it’s technique things or just letting them know they’re doing a great job, communication and being vocal is so important as a leader on this team.”
Chris Jones, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the premier interior defensive linemen in the NFL during his six-year career, all spent in Kansas City. The 27-year-old is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2019 after recording nine sacks. At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Jones is an immovable force along the defensive line who can disrupt opposing offenses both by collapsing the pocket and stuffing the run. He plays with a nonstop motor and brings a relentless competitive spirit to the Chiefs defense.
“I want to be the best. I want to be known as one of the best D-tackles to ever play this game,” Jones said. “I’m going to keep working hard and do whatever I can to help this team win a championship.”
While they play on opposite sides of the ball, Kelce and Jones’ competitive drives undoubtedly push each other to reach new heights. Both are vocal leaders who demand excellence from their teammates, and their individual successes are tied to the team’s success. Here are some of the ways these two Chiefs stars likely inspire each other:
Witnessing Kelce’s Motivational Speeches
One way Travis Kelce undoubtedly inspires Chris Jones is through his fiery pregame speeches in the locker room. Kelce is never afraid to call out his teammates and light a fire under them before big games. His passionate words get the entire team emotionally invested and focused on the task at hand. For Jones, seeing Kelce deliver these rousing talks on the offensive side likely motivates him to bring that same energy and leadership to the defense. Jones wants to emulate Kelce’s ability to pump up 10 other guys before they take the field, knowing it can make a difference in winning close games. Kelce’s vocal leadership serves as an example for Jones of how to lead by example both on and off the field.
Healthy Competition in Practice
With Kelce and Jones being two of the best players at their respective positions, they undoubtedly push each other to excel through competitive practices. When the Chiefs offense goes up against the defense, Kelce wants to get open and make catches, while Jones is determined not to let him. Their one-on-one battles in drills are undoubtedly intense, as neither man wants to give an inch to the other. This competitive fire translates to real games, where Kelce is doing everything he can to move the chains while Jones is trying to disrupt the play. Their willingness to go all-out even in practice sets a standard that spreads to the rest of the team.
Shared Goals of Team Success
At the end of the day, both Kelce and Jones want the same thing – to win Super Bowls as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. While they may butt heads and compete against each other on the practice field, their individual accomplishments mean nothing without team success. Kelce blocking downfield to spring Jones for a sack, or Jones collapsing the pocket to help Kelce get open are examples of how they directly impact each other’s games. Seeing the other star player step up in big moments fuels their competitive desire to do the same. Their friendship and shared goals of bringing championships to Kansas City push Kelce and Jones to constantly elevate their play.
Leadership by Example
More than anything, Kelce and Jones lead by example with their work ethic, preparation, and on-field production. Young players on both sides of the ball look up to these stars and want to emulate their drive to succeed. The veteran duo sets the bar high for what it means to be a team leader in Kansas City. Their commitment to improving even small parts of their game inspires the rest of the roster to have that same attention to detail. On top of their individual skills, Kelce and Jones’ intangible qualities of leadership, accountability, and competitive spirit are what make them cornerstones of the Chiefs franchise for years to come.
In Summary
While Travis Kelce and Chris Jones play on opposite sides of the football, their competitive natures and drive to win championships undoubtedly push each other to greater heights. Whether it’s Kelce’s motivational speeches, their battles in practice, or shared goals of team success, these two stars fuel each other’s fire. More than just X’s and O’s, Kelce and Jones lead by example both vocally and with their all-out effort. Their willingness to elevate those around them is a big reason why the Chiefs have become perennial Super Bowl contenders. As long as these two franchise cornerstones are in Kansas City, the AFC West powerhouse will remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
[/bg_collapse]
