The entire sports community is reeling now. The reason? Arthur Jones, Super Bowl champion and brother of UFC icon Jon Jones, died suddenly Friday at just 39 years old. Tributes poured in from across football and combat sports communities.
Conor McGregor Honors Super Bowl Champion Arthur Jones After Sudden Death
Conor McGregor Honors Super Bowl Champion Arthur Jones After Sudden Death (Screenshot Via Instagram/@ufc)
But among all the condolences the late NFL star received, Conor McGregor led the charge with a heartfelt message. The UFC superstar called Jones “a friendly giant” who left this world far too early.
Conor McGregor Honors Super Bowl Champion Arthur Jones After Sudden Death
According to the latest report, Jones collapsed at his Syracuse home Friday morning. His pacemaker detected the issue in his heart and automatically fired off an alert to his physician. When the help arrived, they found him not moving because it was too late to help.
McGregor took to X with his tribute,noting, “Very sad to hear this news, Arthur was a great man, a friendly giant! God speed Arthur Jones 🙏❤️”
Very sad to hear this news, Arthur was a great man, a friendly giant!
God speed Arthur Jones 🙏❤️ https://t.co/tjTQSIPpZs
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) October 3, 2025
Syracuse NewsChannel 9 reporter Steve Infantigot the details from law enforcement.An Onondaga County Sheriff’s spokesperson told him that Jones’ pacemaker went off that morning, automatically sending a message to his doctor.
The former Ravens star had been going through a preexisting heart condition. Infanti added that EMS responded to his home just before 11 a.m., but he had already passed away.
The device did exactly what it was supposed to do. It recognized the danger and called for help. However, the cardiac event just proved too massive and too fast. Jones was gone before emergency team could reach him.
NFL and UFC Communities Unite to Honor the Late Defensive Lineman
Following McGregor’s comments,condolences for the late defensive lineman have begun to arrive one after another.UFC said they are saddened to hear about the tragic passing of Jones.
In a heart-warming Instagram note, theyremarked, “UFC is saddened to hear about the passing of Arthur Jones. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.”
The Baltimore Ravens also shared their grief,penning, “Art was truly a remarkable person. A dedicated teammate, a relentless worker, and someone any coach would be proud to lead.”
“Art was truly a remarkable person. A dedicated teammate, a relentless worker, and someone any coach would be proud to lead.” pic.twitter.com/2j4pgHaBHS
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 3, 2025
The Indianapolis Coltsshared. “We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Colts DT Arthur Jones. Our thoughts are with his family, former teammates, and loved ones.”
We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Colts DT Arthur Jones. Our thoughts are with his family, former teammates, and loved ones.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 3, 2025
Pat McAfee, former Colts punter and current media personality, got absolutely emotional. Henoted, “Let your people know you love them.. let them know you see them.. let them know you appreciate them… I and the world will miss your presence @Artj97. Rest easy big man… You done good Champ.”
Meanwhile, Jon Jones, one of UFC’s greatest, has remained silent following his older brother’s sudden death. Actually, his silence says it all because Arthur was often by Jon’s side, whether at weigh-ins or in the stands, supporting him throughout his MMA career.