The Jones family name carries serious weight in professional sports. UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Chandler Jones have both dominated their respective fields for years.
Arthur Jones Passes Away Suddenly, Baltimore Ravens and Syracuse Confirm Death of Defensive Tackle
Arthur Jones Passes Away Suddenly, Baltimore Ravens and Syracuse Confirm Death of Defensive Tackle (Screenshot Via Instagram/@bleacherreport)
But the oldest Jones brother forged his way long before his younger siblings became household names. Arthur Jones spent seven seasons wreaking havoc on NFL quarterbacks and even won a championship ring. Friday brought devastating news that shook the NFL world.
Arthur Jones Passes Away Suddenly, Baltimore Ravens and Syracuse Confirm Death of Defensive Tackle
Former NFL defensive lineman Arthur Jones tragically passed away Friday morning at the age of 39, the Baltimore Ravens and his alma mater, Syracuse University,confirmed. Both organizations paid tribute to his impact on and off the field, though neither disclosed the cause of death.
We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing. pic.twitter.com/waPIF3Bj7K
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 3, 2025
Jones played at Syracuse from 2006 to 2009 before an eight-year NFL career, which effectively ended after seven seasons in 2017. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the fifth round of the 2010 draft, and he spent his first four seasons in Baltimore building a reputation as a reliable interior defender.
During the Ravens’ 2012 championship season, Jones recorded 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, and five tackles for loss. He sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick just before the infamous Superdome power outage during Super Bowl XLVII and recovered a fumble as Baltimore defeated San Francisco 34-31.
The defensive tackle finished his career with 173 tackles and 10 sacks across 64 games with Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Washington.
Jones signed a five-year deal worth over $30 million with the Colts in 2014, though injuries limited his impact in Indianapolis.
Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta released a statement Friday remembering Jones’ impact beyond statistics. The statement highlighted his infectious energy and bright smile, which teammates and fans remembered most.
NFL Fans in Total Shock Over Arthur Jones’ Passing
When news broke Friday afternoon, the football world responded with a hail of honors. One fanwrote, “One of the kindest, friendliest, most likable athletes I’ve ever met and had the pleasure to cover professionally. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
A second fanadded, “Oh, no! What happened? He was the original Jones brother and was drafted by the Ravens. His younger siblings became more famous, but he was the elder brother. May he RIP.”
The third fannoted Jones’ personality off the field, writing, “So very sad. Never saw Art when he wasn’t smiling, even in the rain for a photo op with fans after Torrey Smith’s charity basketball game.”
A fourth response captured the weight of the moment,claiming, “Out of all the bad things that’s happened over the last month this is undoubtedly the worst of them. RIP champ. Your memory is etched in history.”
The tributes painted a picture of someone who made an impact beyond his on-field contributions. Jones leaves behind his brothers Jon and Chandler, both of whom remain active in their respective sports. No funeral arrangements have been announced.