Chandler Jones Brings Infectious Personality to Gillette Stadium

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Apr 27, 2012

Chandler Jones Brings Infectious Personality to Gillette StadiumFOXBORO, Mass. — Newly drafted Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones stood at the podium in the Gillette Stadium press box, sleeves rolled high up his arms on his purple dress shirt, smiling ear to ear.

Less than 24 hours after being selected with the 21st pick, he was holding court at his introductory news conference. Jones cracked jokes, invited follow-up questions and fired back quick answers — always keeping everyone engaged.

The Patriots' first selection should be a menace on the defensive edge, and he's got a playmaking ability that could make him a successful player in New England for years to come. As it turned out, Jones also brought an infectious personality from Syracuse to New England.

That, and his brother's clothes.

"I didn't know I was going to come here for a press conference," Jones said with a laugh. "I was in my hoodie and my jeans, and they were like, 'You have to come here and wear a suit [Friday].' And I was like, 'Oh.' I was at my brother, Jon's, house. I was like, 'Do you have any shirts that fit me?' [He responded], 'I have a purple shirt.' The arms aren't even long enough, I had to roll the sleeves up, and he got me some shoes."

The clothes came from the UFC light heavyweight champion, Jon "Bones" Jones. Another older brother, Arthur, is a defensive lineman for the Ravens, who fell to the Patriots in the AFC Championship. Who was Chandler rooting for in January?

He paused for a moment before replying, "I try not to get into that, I try not to."

The natural follow-up: Will he get into politics after football?

"We'll see," Jones responded with one of his widest grins of the day.

It wasn't the last time he showed off that smile. Jones was beside himself as he toured Gillette, borrowed clothes and all. It was a long time coming in his mind, and the wait was even more tiresome after his flight from Syracuse was rerouted through New York City, which caused a several-hour delay for his arrival.

But now that Jones is in town, he's ready to get it started. His excitable personality said it all.

Have a question for Jeff Howe? Send it to him via Twitter at @jeffphowe or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.

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