Time for Patriots’ Jones to be in spotlight

PHOENIX — Preparing to play in Super Bowl XLIX brings New England defensive end Chandler Jones the kind of public attention that is just business as usual in his family.

Jones came into the NFL in 2012, two seasons behind his brother Arthur, who was a fifth-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2010.

Another brother, Jon “Bones” Jones, is the UFC light heavyweight title holder.

“I know it’s two different sports, but (Jon) is a world champion,” Chandler Jones said. “… There were conversations about (life in the spotlight), so this is my time, I guess — our time as a team.”

Chandler Jones gets his shot at a championship of his own Sunday, when the Patriots meet the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.

Unfortunately for the Jones family, Chander Jones’ path to Arizona crossed with his brother’s, because Arthur Jones is now a defensive lineman with the Indianapolis Colts, who the Patriots eliminated in the AFC Championship Game.

“It was a good time,” Chandler Jones said. “That was my second time having the opportunity to play against my brother in the AFC Championship, so having that opportunity was great. It was a good family gathering, and congrats to us on beating them.”

The Jones clan grew up in Endicott, New York, a town that also has a faint sports connection to Seattle.

“There’s not really much of the city out of Endicott, New York, or the 607 area, but there’s a guy named Isaiah Kacyvenski,” Chandler Jones said. “A lot of you Seahawks fans might know who he is. He was a special teams captain here a while ago. … Growing up in Endicott High School, you’d always see him coming in the gym. He’d just put a big smile on your face. Now that I have the opportunity to play at the same level as he did. It’s a great feeling. Like I said: Go 607.”

Rude awakening

A fire alarm at the Patriots’ luxury hotel in Chandler, Arizona, went off for about 10 minutes at around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday local time.

There was no fire, just a problem with the alarm.

“I slept right through it,” tight end Rob Gronkowski said. “I slept great last night. I’m glad I didn’t hear it.”

Meanwhile, it probably wouldn’t have made much different to defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who made it clear that he doesn’t need much sleep anyway.

“Four hours is a good night,” he said, “I enjoy sleep, but there’s just not a lot of opportunity to get it. It depends. It could be a couple hours or an hour. It could be three. Four hours is nice, but it doesn’t happen all of the time.”

Extra points

Quarterback Tom Brady sent good wishes to Patriots fans enduring the winter storm back in New England. “Everyone’s pretty hunkered down,” he said. “There’s a lot of snow, causing a lot of problems in a lot of cities. So hopefully everyone is OK.” Meanwhile head coach Bill Belichick expressed appreciation for fans traveling down to the desert. “We have great support from our New England fans,” he said. “They’ve been there all the way through the season — some cold games, some not great weather games at the end of the year, but they’re always there for us. We’re happy to see them.” … Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich will celebrate his 31st birthday on Super Bowl Sunday. “My family is here,” he said. “So I’m going to enjoy that time with my family and take it all in.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

X
Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16

Prep roundup for Saturday, March 16: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.