Arthur Jones, an NFL defensive lineman who scored a Super Bowl championship with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012, has died at age 39.
Arthur Jones, Super Bowl Champion, Dead at 39
The football world is mourning a sudden loss.
Arthur Jones, who played as a defensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens from 2010 to 2013 and won Super Bowl XLVII with the team in 2012, died Oct. 3. He was 39.
News of Jones’ passing was first shared by Syracuse University, where he played as a college student before being drafted by the Ravens. No cause of death was given.
“Arthur Jones was a tremendous player and even better person,” Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack said in a statement. “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.”
Following his four-season tenure with the Ravens, Jones went on to play for the Indianapolis Colts from 2014 to 2016. He subsequently spent one season in Washington before announcing his retirement from the NFL in 2017.
And Jones wasn’t the only athlete in his family, as his two younger brothers also pursued careers in sports. Jon Jones is a UFC heavyweight champion, while Chandler Jones scored his own Super Bowl victory with the New England Patriots in 2014.
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Arthur’s son Arthur Jones IV has followed in his father’s footsteps as well, playing as a defensive end at Christian Brothers Academy. He also received a scholarship offer from his dad’s alma mater earlier this year, according to local outlet WIVT.
Shortly after the NFL star’s death, the Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta said the team was “terribly saddened” by the loss.
“Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered,” DeCosta said in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) Oct. 3. “His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others.”
DeCosta went on to describe the late football player as “kind, courteous and enthusiastic,” adding that his “love for family, teammates and friends” was evident.
“We send our deepest condolences to the Jones family,” he continued, “and all who loved Arthur.”
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