Former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Arthur Jones, brother of Jon Jones and Chandler Jones, dies at 39

By Andy Backstrom, Contributing writer

Former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Arthur Jones, the brother of former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Chandler Jones, has died. He was 39.

Arthur Jones recorded a sack and fumble recovery during the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

“We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement Friday afternoon.

DeCosta added: “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.”

Jones, a fifth-round draft pick out of Syracuse, started 20 games for the Ravens across the 2010-13 seasons, including 19 games in 2012-13. During that two-season span, he piled up 100 total tackles, most notably 8.5 sacks and 13 total TFLs.

Baltimore won it all in the 2012 season, defeating Andrew Luck’s Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos — in double overtime — and Tom Brady’s New England Patriots en route to the Super Bowl. It was there that the Ravens held on for a 34-31 victory over the 49ers, hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in franchise history.

Jones sacked quarterback Colin Kaepernick moments before the lights went out in the Superdome. His fumble recovery came in the second quarter before the Ravens’ second touchdown drive of the game.

After Jones’ four-season run in Baltimore, he spent three seasons with the Colts and one in Washington. He finished his NFL career with 10 sacks and 17 TFLs to his name, plus his Super Bowl ring.