Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots’ Christian Barmore reveals heartwarming take on Chris Jones jersey-swap

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Jimmy Wright | Last updated Dec 28, 2023 4:33 PM ET

It’s been said that one should never meet their heroes, as it’s bound to result in disappointment. Not only did New England Patriots defensive tackle meet Christian Barmore interact with one of his idols, fellow defensive lineman Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs, he also came away in awe of someone he’s looked up to for years.

Following the Chiefs’ Week 15 victory over the Patriots, Jones gifted Barmore his game-worn jersey. It meant everything to Barmore.

“He gave me a jersey. I was about to cry,” Barmore told Mass Live’s Mark Daniels. “I looked up to that man, especially when I was young. That man was so dominant. I’ve seen him in college. I love his style.”

Barmore catching up to Jones?

It’s easy to see why Barmore holds Jones in such high esteem. The Chiefs’ 2016 second-round pick out of Mississippi State has blossomed into one of the most dominant defenders in the NFL. The Patriots would be ecstatic if Barmore were to approach that level of play.

Jones’ resume includes four All-Pro appearances, four Pro Bowls, and two Super Bowl rings so far. In 2022, he finished third in the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Barmore has quietly been developing into one of the game’s better interior defenders himself. He’s currently got 8.5 sacks this season for the Patriots, the same numbers as Jones. That comes as no surprise, considering how much Barmore has modeled his game after Jones’.

“Chris Jones, that’s my favorite player,” Barmore gushed. “Chris Jones to me, he’s got the best hands I’ve ever seen. He’s so quick. He’s big. He’s so dominant, especially in the run. And his hands, I like how (he uses) his hands.”

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: