The sporting world is mourning the death of Arthur Jones, the former Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. Jones died suddenly at the age of 39, leaving behind a legacy as both a fierce NFL competitor and a devoted older brother to UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former NFL Pro Bowler Chandler Jones.
The Ravens confirmed his passing on Friday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their championship heroes. Jones’ death has shaken both the football and mixed martial arts communities, as he was known for his grit on the field and his quiet influence on one of MMA’s greatest fighters.
Arthur Jones’ Life and Career Remembered
Arthur Jones made his name early as a multi-sport athlete in Endicott, New York. A standout football player and two-time New York state heavyweight wrestling champion, he earned a scholarship to Syracuse University in 2005. After redshirting his freshman season, he became a dominant defensive lineman and earned All-Big East honors before entering the NFL.
In 2010, the Baltimore Ravens selected Jones in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. Over seven seasons in the league, he played for the Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington. His career highlight came in Super Bowl XLVII, where he recorded a sack, a fumble recovery, and two tackles as Baltimore defeated the San Francisco 49ers for the championship.
Jones was beloved by teammates for his energy and toughness. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said the team was “terribly saddened” by his sudden passing, calling him a player whose presence uplifted everyone around him.
Outside football, Jones flirted with another combat sport — mixed martial arts. During the 2011 NFL lockout, when team facilities were closed and players could not train with their clubs, Jones seriously considered taking a professional MMA fight. “I love MMA,” he told the Indianapolis Star in 2014. “It’s something I entertained early in my football career if football didn’t work out. I was supposed to take a fight during the lockout, but it ended before it happened.”
Jones had a strong wrestling base and trained alongside his younger brother Jon at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during NFL offseasons. He often credited those sessions with keeping him sharp and motivated. “It keeps my mind fresh,” he said. “It keeps me hungry when it’s football season.”
The Bond That Shaped the Jones Brothers
Jon Jones, considered by many the greatest MMA fighter of all time, has long acknowledged Arthur’s impact on his competitive spirit. “Not only was Arthur older and bigger, but he was a freak athlete,” Jon told Bleacher Report in 2017. “I pretty much grew up getting my ass kicked by a really special talent. I think it’s why I turned out so tough.”
Arthur and Jon were both standout wrestlers in high school, though Arthur admitted his younger brother had the tougher competition. “Jon had all the studs in his weight class,” he once said, proud but honest about his sibling rivalry. The two shared countless battles in their backyard and wrestling rooms — experiences Jon credits for shaping his mental and physical toughness in the UFC.
The cause of Arthur Jones’ death has not been released. His brothers Jon and Chandler have yet to make public statements as they grieve privately. Fans and former teammates have taken to social media to honor his legacy, sharing memories of his contagious smile and relentless work ethic.
Arthur Jones’ death leaves a void not only in the NFL family but also in the hearts of those who knew him as a brother, mentor, and friend. His journey from a small-town wrestler to Super Bowl champion remains an inspiring story — one that also helped forge the fighting spirit of UFC legend Jon Jones.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)-
Q1: How old was Arthur Jones when he died?
Arthur Jones was 39 years old at the time of his death.
Q2: What NFL teams did Arthur Jones play for?
He played for the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Washington during his seven-year NFL career.
Q3: Did Arthur Jones ever fight in the UFC?
No. Although he trained in MMA and considered fighting during the 2011 NFL lockout, he never competed professionally.
Q4: What was Arthur Jones’ biggest career highlight?
His standout moment came in Super Bowl XLVII, where he helped the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers with a sack and fumble recovery.
Q5: What did Jon Jones say about his brother Arthur?
Jon has said growing up with Arthur, a gifted athlete, made him tougher and more competitive, shaping his MMA career.
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