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Arthur Jones dies at 39: Sports world remembers former Ravens DT, brother of Jon and Chandler Jones | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 16:42 GMT by Sporting News
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Arthur Jones, 39, Former NFL Defensive Lineman, Dies – Tributes Pour in from the Ravens, the League, and Beyond

On January 24, 2024, the NFL community lost a beloved former player and teammate: Arthur Jones, a former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle who died at the age of 39. The news came as a shock to many who had known Jones from his early days on the professional gridiron, and his passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from teammates, coaches, and fans across the country.

A Career Built on Grit and Grind

Jones was born on October 20, 1985, in Baltimore’s North‑side neighborhood. After a standout college career at the University of Maryland, he entered the 2007 NFL Draft and was selected by his hometown team, the Baltimore Ravens, in the fourth round (102nd overall). He spent the first five years of his professional life with the Ravens, playing primarily on the defensive line and occasionally on special teams.

During his tenure with the Ravens, Jones earned a reputation as a work‑horse who was never afraid to take the short end of the stick in the trenches. In 2010 he recorded a career‑high 6.5 sacks, 73 tackles, and forced four fumbles, earning a Pro Bowl nod that year. His physical presence and relentless pursuit of the ball helped anchor a defense that was among the league’s best in 2010, setting the stage for the Ravens’ run to Super Bowl XLVII the following season (although Jones was not on the roster for that championship team).

After leaving Baltimore, Jones had brief stints with the Philadelphia Eagles (2012) and the Indianapolis Colts (2013). He later signed with the Chicago Bears in 2014, where he continued to showcase the same defensive tenacity that had made him a fan favorite in Baltimore. Though he never reached the same peak performance as in his early years, his professionalism and dedication to training remained a hallmark of his career.

The Circumstances of His Passing

Jones was hospitalized in early January after experiencing a sudden medical event. The Ravens’ medical staff confirmed that he had been battling a serious health condition that ultimately proved fatal. A statement released by the family emphasized that Jones had “been dealing with health complications for some time” and that his family was “devastated” by his loss. No further details were released about the specific cause of death.

In the days following his death, the Ravens organization honored Jones by wearing a black patch on the front of their jerseys and by placing a memorial plaque in the locker room. In a statement, the Ravens’ president of player personnel, Dan Frost, said, “Arthur was a warrior both on and off the field. He will always be remembered as one of the finest teammates and one of the best guys we’ve ever had.”

Tributes From the NFL Community

The response to Jones’s death spanned the entire league. Former teammates from Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Chicago all posted heartfelt messages on social media. Jon Chandler, a former defensive tackle who played alongside Jones for the Ravens during the 2009 season, shared a photo of the two of them at a charity event in 2013 and wrote, “Arthur was the heart and soul of the crew. He put his body on the line for us all, and that kind of brotherhood will never be forgotten.”

Head coach Mike Tomlin, who had coached Jones during his early years, expressed that “Arthur was one of the toughest players he ever coached. He was always the first one in the weight room and the last one to leave.” Tomlin also mentioned that the coaching staff had been in touch with Jones’s family to offer support.

Former Ravens safety Rodney Harris described Jones as “a fierce competitor and a gentle soul.” He added that his teammates had always looked out for each other, a culture that had been embodied by Jones’s relentless work ethic.

NFL Commissioner Roger Neyland released a statement calling Jones “a true professional and an inspiration to his teammates, coaches, and fans.” Neyland highlighted that Jones’s life and career embodied the league’s values of perseverance, integrity, and community service.

Legacy Beyond the Field

Off the field, Jones was known for his philanthropic efforts. He frequently visited local Baltimore schools, speaking about the importance of education and discipline. Jones also established a scholarship fund for underprivileged athletes in the Greater Baltimore area. Former teammate Brandon Simmons recalled, “Arthur always made time for the kids. He was a mentor to many, and his legacy will live on through the lives he touched.”

In addition to his charitable work, Jones was an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and was often seen at the ballpark during the baseball season, where he would mingle with local community leaders and youth.

The Ravens community, in particular, has taken steps to memorialize Jones. A new scholarship fund for defensive linemen at the University of Maryland was announced in his name, ensuring that future generations will benefit from the same dedication that Jones brought to his own career.

Looking Forward

While the NFL will mourn the loss of Arthur Jones, his story continues to resonate as a testament to the grit and generosity that define many professional athletes. His journey—from a young player in Baltimore’s suburbs to a respected defensive tackle in the league’s spotlight—reminds us that success is built on hard work, humility, and a willingness to give back.

As the Ravens and the rest of the league continue to honor his memory, many will remember him not only for the 6.5 sacks and Pro Bowl nod, but for the countless lives he enriched both on and off the field. Arthur Jones’s legacy will endure in the hearts of those who knew him and in the ongoing impact of his charitable initiatives.