Former NFL defensive tackle Arthur Jones, who won a Super Bowl with the 2012 Baltimore Ravens, has died at the age of 39.
Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta released a statement on Jones, calling him “kind, courteous and enthusiastic” and praising him for his “love for family, teammates and friends.”
Jones is the older brother of former UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones as well as ex-NFL defensive end Chandler Jones, a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro and one-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots.
The Ravens selected Jones out of Syracuse with a fifth round pick in the 2010 NFL draft. A couple years later, Jones played a key role in the team’s quest to a Lombardi Trophy.
Of note, he made huge plays in Baltimore’s 34-31 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.
Jones recovered running back LaMichael James’ second quarter fumble early in the second quarter with the 49ers down 7-3 and facing a 1st-and-10 from the Baltimore 24-yard line. The Ravens responded by driving down the field for a touchdown and 14-3 edge.
With 25 seconds left in the second quarter, Jones stuffed 49ers running back Frank Gore on 2nd-and-2 from the Baltimore nine-yard line. San Francisco couldn’t convert the first down on the next play and had to settle for a field goal to go into halftime down 21-6 instead of 21-10.
Jones also sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick early in the third quarter to help shut down a drive.
The 49ers went on a ferocious comeback after being down 28-6 but ultimately fell 34-31. Jones’ plays earlier in the game certainly helped Baltimore create enough of a cushion to withstand that effort.
Jones was also seen publicly supporting Jon Jones and notably was by his brother’s side last November when he beat Stipe Miocic to defend his UFC heavyweight title.
Multiple people offered their fond remembrances of Jones after news of his passing.
Brown ended up playing seven NFL seasons for the Ravens (2010-2013), Indianapolis Colts (2014 and 2016) and Washington (2017). He participated in 64 games (31 starts) and amassed 173 tackles (99 solo), 26 quarterback hits and 10 sacks.