Arthur Jones, a former standout NFL defensive tackle who helped the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl 47 championship in the 2012 season, has tragically passed away.
The Ravens announced the heartbreaking news of Arthur Jones’ passing on X/Twitter. GM Eric DeCosta called his presence “a gift to everyone he encountered,” and praised his “infectious energy and eternal positivity.”
Arthur, the older brother of former NFL star Chandler Jones and UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, turned 39 on June 3. The cause of death was not announced.
Darius Butler and Pat McAfee, who played on the Indianapolis Colts with Jones, shared heartwarming tributes on X:
A two-time First-team All-Big East selection at Syracuse, Arthur Jones was drafted in the fifth round (157th overall) by the Ravens in 2010. He joined a star-studded defense led by a trio of future Hall of Famers Ed Reed, Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs.
Jones spent his first four seasons in Baltimore before signing with the Colts in 2014 free agency. He played there for three years before joining Washington in 2017, retiring after a shoulder injury limited him to one game.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Jones’ family and friends during this difficult time.
Arthur Jones Played A Key Role In Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl 47 Triumph
Jones was, naturally, overlooked on a Baltimore defense loaded with so many difference-makers. But he had two of the biggest plays in the Ravens’ Super Bowl 47 triumph, ones that completely altered the game.
Arthur Jones recovered a Stevan Ridley fumble in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots, with the Ravens up eight. Jones’ recovery set up the Ravens’ game-sealing touchdown, a Joe Flacco pass to Anquan Boldin.
In Super Bowl 47, Jones recovered a LaMichael James fumble in Baltimore territory with the Ravens leading 7-3. On the ensuing drive, Flacco found Dennis Pitta for a one-yard TD to put the Ravens up 14-3, and the Ravens went on to win 34-31 in an all-time thriller.
Per Pro Football Reference, Jones retired with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles in 64 career regular-season games. In nine playoff games, he had two forced fumbles and one sack.
