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.
| Year | Team | Games | Total tackles | TFL | Sacks | QB hits | Forced fumbles |
| 2010 | Ravens | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 | Ravens | 14 | 20 | 0 | 0.0 | 2 | 0 |
| 2012 | Ravens | 16 | 47 | 5 | 4.5 | 13 | 1 |
| 2013 | Ravens | 14 | 53 | 8 | 4.0 | 7 | 0 |
| 2014 | Colts | 9 | 23 | 3 | 1.5 | 4 | 1 |
| 2015 | – | — | – | — | — | — | — |
| 2016 | Colts | 8 | 30 | 1 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | Commanders | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | – | 64 | 173 | 17 | 10 | 26 | 2 |
Sports world reacts to Arthur Jones’ death
UFC is saddened to hear about the passing of Arthur Jones.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/fWJppu5oE9
— UFC (@ufc) October 3, 2025
We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing. pic.twitter.com/waPIF3Bj7K
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 3, 2025
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
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
Rest in peace big fella! I’m going to miss our random check ins and laughs about who knows what.
Arthur Jones you will be MISSED 🖤🕊️ pic.twitter.com/z3AP9OVfP5
— Darius Butler (@DariusJButler) October 3, 2025
Another tragedy for the Syracuse athletics community. Prayers with the family of Arthur Jones. Dominant player. RIP. https://t.co/UUz8VKkStw
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 3, 2025
We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing. He is Forever Orange. pic.twitter.com/zuWbfHnIPb
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) October 3, 2025
Fran Brown on the passing of Arthur Jones: “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Arthur Jones. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know him over the past two years. His kindness and personality were a joy to be around….” (1/2)
— Steve Infanti (@SteveInfantiNC9) October 3, 2025
