Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones' emotions were on full display during the national anthem before their divisional-round playoff game against the Houston Texans. Tears flowed as gospel singer Lanell Lightfoot performed, marking a poignant moment reminiscent of Jones' emotional display before the Chiefs' Super Bowl triumph over the San Francisco 49ers.

The Chiefs, holding the AFC's top seed, faced the Texans following a wild-card round bye. This matchup marked a rematch of their Week 16 encounter, also in Kansas City, where the Chiefs secured a 27-19 victory. Jones contributed two tackles in that game.

Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs after a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21, 2024. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

George Karlaftis (56) and Chris Jones (95) of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrate a sack during a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 29, 2024. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)

The All-Pro defensive tackle, a key figure in the Chiefs' defense, entered the playoffs with an impressive season record. Despite missing the final two regular season games due to a calf injury, Jones returned for the playoffs and made an immediate impact, sacking Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud in the first quarter. His regular season performance earned him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors, marking his third consecutive All-Pro selection. Jones recorded five sacks, 37 tackles, 20 quarterback hits, and a forced fumble in 15 games.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones before a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. (Jay Biggerstaff/Imagn Images)

The Texans, who advanced to the divisional round after upsetting the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round, faced a formidable challenge against the top-seeded Chiefs.