Former NFL defensive lineman Arthur Jones III died suddenly on Friday, October 3, at his home in Pompey, New York, at age 39. The Super Bowl champion and older brother of UFC star Jon Jones passed away from complications related to a pre-existing heart condition that required him to use a pacemaker and defibrillator.
Emergency responders were dispatched to Jones’ residence shortly before 11 a.m. after his defibrillator activated, automatically alerting his doctor. However, Jones had already died by the time medical personnel arrived at the scene.
The Baltimore Ravens confirmed Jones’ death without providing specific details about the cause. Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta described Jones as someone whose presence was a gift to everyone he encountered, noting his bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity that continuously uplifted others.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh indicated that his heart was heavy following the loss, describing Jones as a truly remarkable person, dedicated teammate and relentless worker. Harbaugh emphasized that Jones had a genuine gift for connecting with people and bringing joy to the locker room and beyond.
Jones played seven seasons in the NFL from 2010 to 2017, spending his first four years with Baltimore after being selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. During his time with the Ravens, he accumulated 120 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss and 22 quarterback hits across 64 games.
The defensive lineman’s most notable achievement came during Baltimore’s Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers following the 2012 season. Jones sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick just before a major power outage at the Superdome in New Orleans and recovered a fumble during the Ravens’ 34-31 triumph. Throughout that postseason, he contributed nine tackles, one sack and a team-leading two fumble recoveries as Baltimore’s defense forced 10 turnovers in four playoff games.
Following his tenure in Baltimore, Jones signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014, where he played three seasons and appeared in 17 games with 11 starts. He totaled 53 tackles, 1.5 sacks and four tackles for loss during his time in Indianapolis, also participating in all three of the Colts’ playoff games in 2014 where he collected 11 tackles with one quarterback hit.
Jones concluded his NFL career with the Washington Commanders in 2017 before announcing his retirement in 2018. Throughout his professional career, he recorded 173 total tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles.
Before his NFL success, Jones starred at Syracuse University from 2005 to 2009, where he established himself as one of the program’s premier defensive players. He set a school record for tackles for loss by an interior defensive lineman with 38.5 and ranked among the top 10 in program history for career tackles by a defensive lineman with 146. Jones earned first-team All-Big East selection honors in both his junior and senior seasons.
Syracuse Athletic Director John Wildhack stated Jones “was a tremendous player and even better person.” Wildhack noted that Jones continued supporting the football program after his playing career ended, impacting many student-athletes with his smile and uplifting messages.
Jones was born in Rochester, New York, on June 3, 1986, but moved to Endicott with his parents, Camille and Rev. Arthur Jones Jr., who leads Mount Sinai Church of God in Christ in Binghamton. As the oldest of three siblings, Jones was brother to former NFL defensive end Chandler Jones, a four-time Pro Bowler who won a Super Bowl with New England, and Jon Jones, the former UFC heavyweight champion.
During his high school years at Union-Endicott, Jones excelled as both a football player and wrestler. He earned first-team Class AA all-state football honors from the New York State Sports Writers Association in both 2003 and 2004. In wrestling, he became a three-time NYSPHSAA State finalist, capturing 275-pound titles during his sophomore and senior seasons in 2003 and 2005.
The Union-Endicott Central School District described Jones as one of its most accomplished student-athletes in district history and a true Tiger both on and off the field. The district held a moment of silence before the high school’s homecoming football game on October 4.
Jones had remained connected to his hometown community, visiting Endicott in September 2022 for a Support Our Sports event at the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex. During that appearance, he connected with local children and helped raise money for sports programming scholarships.
Jon Jones announced funeral arrangements for his brother on social media, scheduling a wake from 10 a.m. to noon and service from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, at City Church in Binghamton, New York. The family requested that attendance be limited to close friends, family and those who shared meaningful connections with Arthur.
