The Baltimore Ravens have announced that Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Arthur Jones has died suddenly at the age of 39.
Jones spent four seasons with the Ravens after being picked by the team in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, before enjoying brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the formerly-named Washington Redskins.
The Rochester-born defender, who is the older brother of ex-UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former New England Patriots star Chandler Jones, announced his retirement at the end of the 2017 season.
It was in Baltimore where he got his hands on a Super Bowl ring, after helping the team defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 showpiece.
Jones sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the dying seconds of that triumph in New Orleans, where he also registered a fumble recovery to earn himself a special place in Baltimore history.
‘We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing,’ Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement on Friday.
The Baltimore Ravens have announced Super Bowl-winning defender Arthur Jones has died
Jones is the older brother of UFC legend Jon Jones (left) and ex-NFL star Chandler Jones
The defensive end helped Baltimore defeat the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl XLVII
‘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.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the Jones family and all who loved Arthur.’
Details surrounding Jones’ death have not yet been announced.
In his four years with the Ravens, Jones started 20 games and produced a total of 173 tackles and 10 sacks. In his final two seasons he posted 100 tackles and 8.5 of those sacks.
The former Syracuse college star never reached the same heights in Indianapolis or Washington, where he made a combined 12 appearances before eventually hanging up his cleats.
