Since the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award was first given out in 1971, no player on the Kansas City Chiefs has ever won it. In 1969, Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Bell did win the award from Pro Football Writers of America, but he was the only winner in franchise history. Not even the late, great edge rusher Derrick Thomas ever earned that achievement.
One current Chiefs defender has the requisite confidence to earn that accolade — and a contract that puts him with an elite tier of NFL defensive players. Defensive tackle Chris Jones understands how much it benefits his teammates to play to the peak of his powers.