The defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs begin their quest for back-to-back Super Bowl Championships tonight as they host the Detroit Lions.

However, one of their most important players, Chris Jones, will not be playing in the game as he is still sitting out amidst a contract dispute.

Despite not attending practices, Jones did a charity event at the Ronald McDonald house in Kansas City, and told reporters he isn’t letting his teammates down at all.

“How? That’s what I’ve got to ask,” Jones said.  “How have I let them down? Just like when you have a job, you ask for an extension, and you ask for a raise, you’re not letting anyone down. Who are you letting down if you ask your boss for a raise?” Jones said.

Reports are the Chiefs and Jones are approximately $9 million apart in the negotiations, but he said that these things are something that can change very quickly.

“We’ll see how this thing goes. Things can change in a matter of days,” Jones said. “Feelings can change, positions can change, situations can change. All we can do is take it an hour at a time.”

Jones will be in attendance at the game tonight, as the Chiefs kickoff against the Lions 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.