Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones cried while performing the national anthem before his team played the Houston Texans in the playoffs, and fans were sure it boded well for the Super Bowl winners.
Cameras show Jones, one of the Chiefs' key men who is back with the team after a calf problem, with tears streaming down his face at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jones also cried during the national anthem when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl in Las Vegas last year against the San Francisco 49ers.
And members of Chiefs Kingdom watching at home thought Jones' tears were a good sign.
'Chris Jones crying again. Chiefs by 50', wrote one fan.
Another said: “Chris Jones shed tears again during the national anthem, you know what that means.”
Chris Jones cried during the national anthem before Kansas City Chiefs vs Houston Texans
A similar post read: “Chris Jones tear alert, hopefully a good sign for today.”
Chiefs fan account Chiefs Hive posted: 'Chris Jones shed a tear at the anthem. When he does this, the Chiefs are undefeated. I don't actually know if that's true, but it seems that way.'
Cameras caught up with him again near the end of the first quarter and he appeared tearful once again, with the Chiefs leading 6-3.
Jones, 30, also seemed emotional before the game: NFL reporter James Palmer shared a video of Jones appearing to pray in the Arrowhead tunnel before taking the field.
“Chris Jones takes a moment to be alone before taking the field,” Palmer wrote with the footage.
However, he started the game in full force, recording an early sack of Texans quarterback CJ Stroud.
Jones has played for the Chiefs since they selected him in the second round of the draft in 2016.
He is a three-time Super Bowl champion and his team this year is seeking what would be a historic third consecutive title.
'We care about the Super Bowls, and that's what we play for; That's what matters to us,” Jones said in preparation this week. “That's the most important thing.”
Chris Jones shed a tear at the anthem. When he does this, the Chiefs are undefeated. I don't actually know if that's true, but it seems like it lol.
– Bosshive (@chiefshive) January 18, 2025
Jones sacked Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud in the first quarter at Arrowhead.
In March 2024, Jones signed a five-year contract with the Chiefs worth $158.75 million.
If the Chiefs win on Saturday, they will next face the winner of the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills.
The winner will advance to the Super Bowl in New Orleans on February 9.