Arthur Jones dies at 39: Sports world remembers former Ravens DT, brother of Jon and Chandler Jones

David Suggs

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Arthur Jones dies at 39: Sports world remembers former Ravens DT, brother of Jon and Chandler Jones image

Arthur Jones, the former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle and brother of fellow athletes Jon and Chandler Jones, died on Friday. He was 39 years old.

The Ravens announced his death via a statement on their official website. No cause of death has been revealed.

"We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones' sudden passing," general manager Eric DeCosta said. "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."

A fifth-round pick out of Syracuse, Jones played seven seasons in the NFL. He spent most of his career in Baltimore, emerging as a vital piece in the Ravens' defense when they captured the Lombardi Trophy in 2013.

Jones collected a sack and fumble recovery in Super Bowl 47. His efforts proved essential in Baltimore's 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Jones also turned out for the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders during his NFL tenure.

Who is Arthur Jones in the NFL?

Jones was a seven-year NFL veteran who played defensive tackle for the Ravens, Colts and Commanders. He enjoyed his most success in Baltimore, tallying eight of his 10 career sacks across four seasons in Charm City.

Jones was a hulking presence on the defensive line in his pomp, standing at 6-3 with a 301-pound frame. He wasn't the most heralded of prospects coming out of college, although he did earn three All-Big East appearances with the Orangemen.

Nevertheless, Jones wreaked havoc at the line of scrimmage — particularly in the run game. He paired well with perennial All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, forming a run-stopping tandem that struck fear into opposition tailbacks.

Jones enjoyed his best seasons in 2012 and 2013, combining for 100 tackles, 8.5 sacks and 20 QB hits across 19 starts. He was similarly productive in the playoffs, scooping up two fumble recoveries — one of which came in the Super Bowl — as the Ravens hoisted their second Lombardi Trophy in 2013.

Jones came from a family of athletes. His younger brother, Jon, is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever. Younger brother Chandler also made his mark on the gridiron, earning two first team All-Pro appearances and a Super Bowl ring before flaming out due to mental health issues.

Is Arthur Jones related to Jon Jones?

Arthur Jones was, indeed, related to Jon Jones. The two were brothers.

The Jones brothers were all close to one another, according to Jon Jones. In fact, Jon cited Arthur as one of his primary inspirations for pursuing a career in fighting.

“I grew up in a really athletic family. Both of my brothers—everyone knew they were going to be in the NFL by the time they were in college, ” Jon Jones said, per Essentially Sports. “I pretty much just wanted to keep up with the Joneses. So, I literally joined the jiu-jitsu school, and my jiu-jitsu teacher believed I had some great potential to be a really good martial artist. I’m glad I listened to him because, fast forward, I had a really great career.”

The two would routinely duke it out with one another during their younger years. Arthur was no slouch on the mat, claiming two New York state championships as a heavyweight.

"My brother is one of the best heavyweights in New York state wrestling history," Jon Jones said. "I would wrestle him every day in high school and I would get my ass kicked by my older brother my whole life."

Arthur Jones stats

Here's a closer look at Jones' numbers throughout his seven-year spell in the NFL.

YearTeamGamesTotal tacklesTFLSacksQB hitsForced fumbles
2010Ravens2000.000
2011Ravens142000.020
2012Ravens164754.5131
2013Ravens145384.070
2014Colts92331.541
2015–—–————
2016Colts83010.000
2017Commanders100000
Total–641731710262

 Sports world reacts to Arthur Jones' death

 

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.