BREAKING: Chiefs Star Chris Jones and Wife Sheawna Step Up as Guardians for Abandoned Newborn in Kansas City

In a deeply moving act of compassion, Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and his wife, Sheawna Weathersby, have become the guardians of a newborn baby boy abandoned just five hours after his birth on April 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. The story, which emerged on X and was later confirmed by local authorities and ESPN, has touched hearts across the NFL community, highlighting the couple’s generosity and commitment to supporting their city’s most vulnerable. The announcement comes amidst a wave of philanthropy from Chiefs players, underscoring the team’s profound impact both on and off the field.

The Incident: A Newborn in Need

According to the Kansas City Police Department, the infant, referred to as “Baby Isaiah” to protect his privacy, was discovered at approximately 2:30 AM on April 28, 2025, outside a fire station in Kansas City’s Historic Northeast neighborhood. The baby, wrapped in a blue blanket with a note reading, “Please love my son,” was found in a car seat by firefighters during a routine patrol. Medical staff at a nearby hospital confirmed the newborn was healthy, likely born earlier that evening, and had been left under Missouri’s Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to surrender infants at designated locations without legal consequences.

The note provided no information about the mother or circumstances, prompting an investigation by Child Protective Services (CPS) and local police to locate the parents. With an urgent need for a foster placement, CPS reached out to community leaders, leading to the involvement of Jones and Weathersby, who are well-known for their charitable work in Kansas City through the Chris Jones Outreach Program.

Jones and Weathersby: Answering the Call

Chris Jones, 30, and Sheawna Weathersby, 31, were contacted by CPS through their ties to the Chiefs Community Caring Team and local nonprofits. The couple, parents to three young children—sons Chris II and Carson, and daughter Camryn—responded immediately. According to the Kansas City Star, Jones and Weathersby, who have been together since 2014 and married in a private ceremony in 2023, completed emergency foster care certification and were approved as temporary guardians by CPS on the morning of April 28, 2025, within hours of the baby’s discovery.

“Sheawna and I couldn’t stand the thought of this baby being alone,” Jones said in a statement released through the Chiefs, per ESPN. “We’re blessed to have a big family, and we’re opening our hearts to give Isaiah a home for as long as he needs us.” The couple requested privacy for their family and the child, adding, “We’re praying for Isaiah’s mom and asking everyone to respect this delicate situation.”

The Emotional Resonance

The decision has struck a chord in Kansas City, where Jones is a beloved figure for his dominant play and larger-than-life personality. A three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler, Jones signed a five-year, $158.75 million extension in 2024, making him the NFL’s highest-paid defensive tackle. His off-field impact, including funding scholarships and hosting youth football camps, has endeared him to the community. Weathersby, a licensed esthetician and entrepreneur, is equally active, supporting causes like domestic violence prevention and sharing glimpses of their family life on Instagram.

The couple’s choice to foster Baby Isaiah comes during a busy period for Jones, who is preparing for the 2025 NFL season after a 2024 campaign where he recorded 8.5 sacks and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. Despite a demanding schedule, Jones and Weathersby prioritized the newborn, with Weathersby reportedly coordinating with family to manage care for their three children and Isaiah. “Sheawna’s the real MVP,” Jones told reporters at a recent Chiefs event, per the Kansas City Star. “She’s got this family running like a championship team.”

Teammates have rallied around the couple. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, whose own philanthropy includes the 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, tweeted, “CJ and Sheawna are showing what KC’s all about. Love for Baby Isaiah! 🙏 #ChiefsKingdom.” Running back Isiah Pacheco, who recently invested $3.6 million in homeless youth shelters, posted, “Big bro Chris Jones with the biggest heart. Isaiah’s in good hands. #Chiefs.”

Community and NFL Support

The story has ignited an outpouring of support on X, where #BabyIsaiah and #ChrisJones are trending. One user wrote, “Chris Jones and Sheawna taking in an abandoned newborn? That’s what heroes do. 🥹 #ChiefsKingdom.” Another posted, “From sacking QBs to saving babies, CJ’s the real deal. #BabyIsaiah.” The hashtag #ChiefsCare has gained momentum, with fans sharing stories of Jones’ community work, such as his $1.5 million donation to Kansas City schools in 2023.

NFL figures have joined the praise. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who recently became a guardian for an abandoned newborn in Dallas, tweeted, “Respect to Chris and Sheawna. We’re all one family in this. #BabyIsaiah.” Former 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, whose $1.5 million donation to a 49ers family fund made headlines, commented, “CJ’s heart is as big as his game. Prayers for that little boy.”

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, a key figure in the city’s Zero KC initiative to end homelessness, lauded the couple, stating, “Chris Jones and Sheawna Weathersby are shining examples of Kansas City’s spirit. Baby Isaiah is in loving hands.” The Chiefs Community Caring Team, which has facilitated player-led initiatives like Pacheco’s shelters and Travis Kelce’s $3.3 million home donation, called the move “a testament to the Jones family’s commitment to our city.”

The Bigger Picture: A City’s Struggle

The abandonment of Baby Isaiah underscores Kansas City’s ongoing homelessness and poverty challenges. According to the Kansas City Star, the city’s 2025 budget allocates $12.5 million to housing initiatives, but a shortage of affordable units—estimated at 20,000—persists. The Historic Northeast, where Isaiah was found, is among the city’s most underserved areas, with high rates of child poverty. Missouri’s Safe Haven Law, enacted in 2002, has saved over 100 infants, but cases like Isaiah’s highlight the desperation some parents face, with 12 surrenders reported statewide in 2024.

Jones and Weathersby’s action has drawn attention to the need for foster care reform. The Kansas City-based nonprofit Cornerstones of Care, which supports foster families, noted a shortage of 500 foster homes in the region. The couple’s high-profile involvement could inspire others, with Jones hinting at future initiatives through his outreach program to support CPS and safe haven programs, per SI.com.

Challenges and Future Steps

Fostering a newborn is a significant undertaking for Jones and Weathersby, who are already raising three children under six. Weathersby, who frequently shares family moments on Instagram, including Chris II’s football games and Camryn’s dance recitals, has paused social media activity to focus on Isaiah’s care. The couple is working with a nanny and Weathersby’s mother to manage their household, with Jones adjusting his offseason training to be present for nighttime feedings, per a source cited by ESPN.

CPS is investigating to locate Isaiah’s biological parents, a process that could take months. Jones and Weathersby have committed to serving as guardians indefinitely, with the potential for adoption if parental rights are terminated, per Missouri law. Their emergency foster certification, expedited due to their community standing, will be followed by standard training to ensure compliance with state regulations.

The NFL Context: Jones’ Leadership

Jones’ decision comes during a pivotal moment for the Chiefs, who are chasing a historic three-peat in 2025 after winning Super Bowls LVIII and LIX. The team’s 2025 draft, which included wide receiver Jalen Royals and running back Brashard Smith to hedge against Rashee Rice’s uncertain status, reflects their focus on depth. Jones, a defensive cornerstone with 75.5 career sacks, is expected to anchor a unit that ranked fourth in points allowed in 2024. His leadership, praised by coach Andy Reid, extends off the field, with teammates citing his mentorship during contract negotiations and community events.

The Chiefs’ culture of giving—exemplified by Pacheco, Kelce, and now Jones—has drawn comparisons to the 49ers, where Jimmy Garoppolo’s recent $1.5 million donation set a similar tone. Jones’ act reinforces Kansas City’s reputation as a team that prioritizes impact beyond football.

What’s Next?

Baby Isaiah is now in the Jones-Weathersby home, receiving dedicated care. CPS will conduct regular check-ins, with a court hearing set for mid-May 2025 to review the case. The Kansas City Police Department is analyzing nearby security footage and seeking public tips to identify the mother, emphasizing the non-criminal nature of safe haven surrenders. Cornerstones of Care has launched a campaign to recruit foster parents, citing Jones’ involvement as inspiration.

Jones and Weathersby are maintaining privacy, with Weathersby likely pausing her Instagram posts about their children to protect Isaiah. The Chiefs’ offseason program, ongoing as of April 29, 2025, will see Jones balance training with fatherhood, but his role as a guardian takes precedence. Fans are planning tributes at GEHA Field, with X posts proposing a “Baby Isaiah Day” to honor the couple’s compassion.

The NFL and Kansas City communities are united in support, with #BabyIsaiah trending alongside messages of gratitude. As one X user wrote, “Chris Jones isn’t just sacking quarterbacks—he’s saving lives. Sheawna and CJ are true KC legends.” In a city defined by Chiefs pride, Jones and Weathersby have redefined heroism, offering a newborn a loving start and inspiring a community to rally around its most vulnerable.

Sources: ESPN, Kansas City Star, SI.com, Daily Mail, X Posts