Super Bowl Champ From Family Of Star Athletes Passes Away At 39

Arthur Jones, who played in the NFL as a defensive lineman from 2010 through 2017, passed away on Friday at the age of 39. He is survived by his two younger brothers: NFL Pro Bowler Chandler Jones and two-division UFC champion Jon Jones.

Arthur Jones played college football at Syracuse University, where he was named to the second-team All-Big East team in 2006 and received first-team honors in 2007 and 2008. He tallied had 38 and-a-half tackles for loss with the Orange, a school record for an interior defensive lineman.

He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL draft and went on to play four seasons with the club. He was a member of the Ravens squad that won Super Bowl XLVII, which has long been hailed as one of the more formidable defensive units in NFL history.

Jones played a significant role in the Ravens’ victory when he sacked then-San Francisco 49ers Super Bowl Colin Kaepernick in the big game just before a power outage caused a significant delay at the Superdome in New Orleans. He also recovered a fumble in the team’s 34-31 win.

“We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing,” Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others. He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic — always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends.”

Arthur Jones during his time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012
Photo: Thibous

After spending four seasons in Baltimore, Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts and played there for three seasons before briefly playing for the Washington Redskins. He retired from the NFL after the 2017 season after suffering from a shoulder injury throughout the year.

A cause of death has not been disclosed as of this report.

“Arthur Jones was a tremendous player and even better person,” Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said. “We were fortunate that Arthur continued to support our football program after his playing career. He impacted many of our student-athletes, always with a smile and uplifting message.”

Arthur Jones (left) is survived by his younger brothers Jon (center), widely considered among the greatest UFC fighters of all time, and Chanlder (right), who was named to four Pro Bowl teams in his own NFL career

In addition to his brothers, Jones is survived by his wife, Camille and sons, Art IV and Skylar. “I see them playing and wrestling and kissing and singing,” Camille Jones told the Indy Star in a 2024 interview. “I’m so proud because I see another generation coming up the right way.”

An avid dog lover, Jones gave significant contributions to animal shelters throughout his NFL career and beyond.