Tragedy shocks the NFL and UFC: Arthur Jones dies at 39
Tragedy shocks the NFL and UFC: Arthur Jones dies at 39
Arthur Jones, the defensive lineman who won Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens, has died at the age of 39, the team announced with great sadness on Friday.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Arthur Jones. Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone around him,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta in a statement.
Who Was Arthur Jones?
Jones was a talented and reliable defensive lineman who entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2010 Draft by the Ravens, with whom he earned a Super Bowl ring and played until 2013.
During his time in Baltimore, he started 20 games and recorded 100 tackles and 8.5 sacks over his final two seasons.
One of the most memorable moments of his career came in Super Bowl XLVII, when he sacked San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and recovered a fumble, helping the Ravens secure the championship.
In addition to his NFL legacy, Jones was also the older brother of UFC heavyweight legend Jon Jones.
The mixed martial arts organization, led by Dana White, expressed its sorrow on social media and extended condolences to the Jones family and their loved ones.
The cause of death has not yet been made public, though the Ravens referred to it as “sudden.” Early reports suggest Jones may have been dealing with heart issues.
Jones’s NFL Career
After leaving Baltimore, Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014, where he played for three seasons before finishing his career with Washington in 2017.
In Baltimore, he was admired for his strength in pressuring opposing quarterbacks and for his warm personality off the field.
“His big smile, infectious energy, and constant positivity created a presence that continually uplifted others. He was kind, polite, and enthusiastic, always showing love for his family, teammates, and friends,” DeCosta added.
The Indianapolis Colts also paid tribute to their former player with a heartfelt message on social media:
“We are saddened to hear about the passing of Arthur Jones. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.”
Over the course of his eight-season NFL career, Jones appeared in 64 games, recording 173 tackles, 10 sacks, and forcing two fumbles.