Many sports fans have wondered if there is any family connection between Chris Jones, the defensive end for the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight champion and current heavyweight contender. Both of them share the same last name and are elite athletes in their respective fields. However, the answer is no, they are not related at all.
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Who is Chris Jones?
Chris Jones is a professional footballer currently signed by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was drafted by the Chiefs in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has been a key player for the Chiefs defense, helping them win Super Bowl LIV in 2020. He had 15.5 sacks (44 tackles) in 17 regular season games in 2022 and has added two more sacks in the playoffs. He is set to play in his second consecutive Super Bowl on February 13, 2023, when the Chiefs face the Eagles.
Who is Jon Jones?
Jon Jones is a mixed martial artist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time. He made his UFC debut in 2008 and became the youngest champion in UFC history when he defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua for the light heavyweight title in 2011. He has defended his title a record eight times, defeating legends such as Quinton Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen, and Alexander Gustafsson. He has only one loss on his record, which was a controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill in 2009.
Jon Jones has also faced several controversies outside the octagon, including legal issues, drug tests failures, and suspensions. He vacated his light heavyweight title in 2020 to move up to the heavyweight division. He is scheduled to fight Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 on March 4, 2023.
Who are Jon Jones’ brothers?
While Chris Jones is not related to Jon Jones, Jon Jones does have two brothers who are also professional athletes. They are Arthur Jones and Chandler Jones, both of whom play in the NFL.
Arthur Jones
Arthur Jones is the oldest of the Jones brothers. He was born on June 3, 1986, in Rochester, New York. He played college football at Syracuse University and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played for the Ravens from 2010 to 2013, winning Super Bowl XLVII with them in 2013. He then signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 and played for them until 2016. He was suspended for four games in 2016 for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. He signed with Washington in 2017 but only appeared in one game due to injury and retired after that season.
Arthur Jones played as a defensive end and defensive tackle in his NFL career. He appeared in 64 games and had 10 sacks, 173 tackles, and two forced fumbles.
Chandler Jones
Chandler Jones is the youngest of the Jones brothers. He was born on February 27, 1990, in Rochester, New York. He also played college football at Syracuse University and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played for the Patriots from 2012 to 2015, winning Super Bowl XLIX with them in 2015. He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2016 and played for them until 2021. He signed a three-year contract worth $51 million with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and currently plays for them.
Chandler Jones plays as an outside linebacker and defensive end in his NFL career. He is one of the best pass rushers in the league, leading the NFL in sacks twice (in 2017 and 2021). He has been selected to four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. He has appeared in 144 games and has 115 sacks, 440 tackles, and 28 forced fumbles.
Conclusion
Chris Jones and Jon Jones are not related by blood or by marriage. They just happen to share a common surname and excel at their respective sports. Jon Jones does have two brothers who play in the NFL, Arthur and Chandler Jones, who are also very successful athletes. The Jones family is truly a remarkable example of sporting talent and achievement.
