Tragedy Strikes UFC Superstar

A key piece of a championship front

Drafted in the fifth round in 2010, Jones played four seasons in Baltimore (2010–13). Then stints with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington. Finishing a seven-year NFL career with 64 games (31 starts), 173 total tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles. He recorded a sack of Colin Kaepernick and recovered a fumble during the Ravens’ 34–31 win in Super Bowl XLVII.

Baltimore’s team announcement also highlighted his late-season surge with 8.5 sacks across his final two Ravens seasons and his pivotal plays in New Orleans.

Tributes pour in

“We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing,” Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said, praising Jones’s “big, bright smile” and “eternal positivity.” Head coach John Harbaugh called him “a dedicated teammate” whose “positive energy and infectious enthusiasm made him a beloved part of our organization.”

Former Ravens wideout Torrey Smith wrote, “RIP to my brother Arthur Jones… We lost a great man and father.” UFC star Conor McGregor called Jones “a friendly giant,” adding, “God speed Arthur Jones.”

Syracuse roots, a family of champions

A Rochester native, Jones starred at Syracuse before turning pro; the school also shared news of his death Friday. He is the older brother of former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and four-time NFL Pro Bowler Chandler Jones.