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5 things you might not know about Chandler Jones

Posted at 4:32 PM, Mar 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-16 19:32:34-04

Here's what every Arizona Cardinals fan knows about Chandler Jones: He's a beast, and he's going to make the Birdgang better.

On Monday, the Cards traded for the 26-year-old Jones, whose 12.5 sacks last season were the fifth-highest total in the NFL.

See also: Chandler Jones accidentally calls himself a "New England Cardinal"

Here are five things you may not know about Jones, who was introduced to the local media Tuesday. 

1. He made a snow angel the last time he was in Arizona.

Well, not a snow angel, exactly -- but Jones was responsible for this iconic photo after the Patriots defeated the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale.

But Jones is mentally prepared for the summer heat that's coming soon. "I was already warned from the people at the gas station and everywhere," he said. "But I'm very excited. I bought my sunscreen, so it'll be all right."

2. He's looking past his mistake in January.

Jones was involved in a bizarre police incident in Massachusetts two months ago, a result of a bad reaction to synthetic marijuana. But when asked about it Tuesday, Jones said the past is in the past.

"I understand you asking me that question, but it's something I've moved forward with," he said. "I'm trying to prove and I have proved that I'm not that person. It was a mistake, and everyone has mistakes."

3. He looked up to Tom Brady.

Jones plays defense and Brady plays offense, but Jones said the future Hall of Fame quarterback helped mold him into the athlete and individual he is today.

"You have guys like (defensive tackle) Vince Wilfork, (linebacker) Jerod Mayo -- even Tom Brady, even though he's on the opposite side of the ball," he said. "I learned a lot at New England as far as on the field and off the field -- ultimately, becoming a man and becoming a professional."

4. He's already excited to face his former team.

As fate would have it, the Cardinals will play the Patriots in Glendale this season. Jones is looking forward to it.

"I was having lunch with a few of the guys this afternoon. They said, 'You know the Patriots are on the schedule,' and I said, 'Maybe this is a game I can circle with my red marker,'" he said.

5. Jones and the Cards' GM share a common thread.

Cardinals general manager Steve Keim, who introduced Jones on Tuesday, said he and Jones have a "very close, mutual friend" who made a major impact on both of their lives.

"My college strength coach was his college strength coach, so I've known a lot about him for a long time," Keim said. "My coach, who I trust greatly, is very high on him, and we're still very close to this day."