Chris Jones wasn’t alone in his tearful moment at the start of Super Bowl 2024.
In a heartfelt moment captured by NFL Films, the routinely emotional Chiefs defensive tackle warned teammate George Karlaftis that he was going to cry while the two were lined up on the field at Allegiant Stadium before Reba McEntire started singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
”This is when I gotta — your boy about to get emotional,” Jones said. “Forgive me.”
The second-year defensive end replied, “It’s okay,” and quickly admitted, “All right, but you’re gonna make me get emotional.”
Jones jokingly whispered in Karlaftis’ ear, “Don’t cry unless you cry with me.”
“I’m gonna cry,” Karlaftis confirmed.
As the clip went viral on Wednesday afternoon, fans ate it up.
“Gotta keep this duo together for a long time, also when I gave Furious George his nickname I knew nothing about his personality, turns out he seems like one of the nicest dudes ever,” an X user posted.
“How do you not love Chris Jones?” another wrote.
“Love that and love George for telling him it’s okay to be emotional” another reposted.
The moment shared between the two was a year after Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni stole the show at Super Bowl 2023, crying, in what became a viral video before his team fell to the Chiefs, 38-35.
Jones and Karlaftis were victorious again this year, clinching the 25-22 victory over the 49ers in overtime after Patrick Mahomes charged down the field to find Mecole Hardman Jr. in the end zone to become back-to-back champions in their third Super Bowl win in the last five seasons.
In his second year, Karlaftis, 22, earned 10.5 sacks along with 47 combined tackles and 17 quarterback hits.
Jones, who earned his third Pro Bowl nod this past season, will become a free agent in the offseason.
Although he passionately said he would be back during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade, a source has said any potential agreement will happen “no time soon.”
He also racked up 10.5 sacks, 30 combined tackles, and 29 quarterback hits this season.