Baltimore Ravens Star Has Died at Just 39
The Super Bowl-winning athlete, who played his first four NFL seasons with the Baltimore team and claimed a Super Bowl title, has passed away. He was 39 years old.
Alma Mater Confirmation
His alma mater, where Jones played, confirmed that he died on Friday. Officials at Syracuse nor the Ravens provided a cause of death in their statements.
"The energy he brought was a blessing to all who met him," said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. "His beaming expression, infectious energy and ever-present positive outlook built an atmosphere that continuously uplifted others."
NFL Career Highlights
Jones was picked in the later rounds of the draft in 2010 and notched eight and a half of his 10 quarterback takedowns during a pair of seasons in the 2012 and 2013 campaigns. The Baltimore squad beat the San Francisco 49ers in the championship game to cap the 2012 campaign.
In that memorable game, Jones sacked San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick right before a blackout at the stadium in New Orleans. He additionally grabbed a turnover during that championship game.
Following his Ravens career, Jones was a member for two years with the Indianapolis Colts and played his last year with the Washington franchise in 2017.
Early Life and Relatives
Jones was a standout at Syracuse University and was the big brother of former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and ex-Syracuse and pro defender Chandler Jones, a multiple Pro Bowl selection who won a Super Bowl with the Patriots.
During his time at Syracuse, Jones established a program mark for interior defensive linemen with 38.5 stops in the backfield. He was honored as a first-team All-Big East selection in each of his final two seasons.
"He was a tremendous player and even better person," remarked the school's AD John Wildhack. "It was our good fortune that Arthur kept backing our squad after his playing career. He touched numerous players, ever positive and uplifting message."
