#FromStateToSundays: Super Bowl Update
February 13, 2024 | Football
History was made Sunday as Chris Jones became the first player in Mississippi State history to win three Super Bowl rings.
Jones hoisted the Lombardi Trophy for the third time in his career as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense. But he wasn't alone. Jones was joined by linebacker Willie Gay, Jr., who claimed his second-straight Super Bowl championship.
Jones and Gay made four tackles each on Super Bowl Sunday with Jones also adding a pair of quarterback hurries. Jones' final hurry came on third down from the 9-yard when his pressure forced Brock Purdy to throw an incompletion and San Francisco had to settle for a field goal.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) gave Jones the No. 3 overall defensive grade in the Super Bowl (81.7) and the second-best pressure grade (88.9) in the game.
For the year, Jones earned the top defensive grade for the Chiefs at 88.1, which was also fifth-best among interior defenders in the NFL this past season. His 90.4 pressure grade in 2023 ranked No. 3 among players at his position.
Gay and Jones both face free agency this offseason. Â
A total of 41 MSU alums have been a part of 61 Super Bowl teams with 25 players earning 29 Super Bowl titles.
WILLIE GAY JR. | LB | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS | AT MSU: 2017-19Last Week: Gay started and made four tackles (three solo, one assist) in a 25-22 overtime win against the 49ers in the Super Bowl.    Â
Postseason: Nine tackles (five solo, four assists), one tackle for loss
Regular Season:Â 58 tackles (44 solo, 14 assists), four tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, three quarterback hurries, four pass defenses, one interception
CHRIS JONESÂ | DE | KANSAS CITY CHIEFS |Â AT MSU: 2013-15
Last Week:Â Jones started and made four tackles (two solo, two assists) and two quarterback hurries in a 25-22 overtime win against the 49ers in the Super Bowl. Â
Postseason: Eight tackles (four solo, four assists), 0.5 sack, six quarterback hurries, two pass defenses, one forced fumble
Regular Season:Â 30 tackles (20 solo, 10 assists), 10 1/2 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 29 quarterback hurries, four pass defenses
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