Arthur Jones, Super Bowl Champion and Pivotal Influence on MMA Icon Jon Jones, Passes Away at 39

The sporting world is in mourning following the untimely passing of Arthur Jones, a Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and the eldest brother in a formidable athletic dynasty that includes UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Jones, 39, who nearly embarked on a mixed martial arts career, died on Friday morning, May 31, 2024, in Syracuse, New York, due to a pre-existing heart condition. Emergency Medical Services responded to his residence shortly before 11 a.m. after his pacemaker automatically alerted his doctor, as reported by News Channel 9’s Steve Infanti, citing an Onondaga County Sheriff’s spokesperson.

Arthur Jones was a significant figure in his own right, known for his robust presence on the gridiron and his deep connection to the combat sports world through his younger brother. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft out of Syracuse University, Jones quickly established himself as a versatile and powerful defensive lineman. During his four seasons with the Ravens (2010-2013), he played a crucial role in the team’s defensive schemes, contributing to their memorable Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers in February 2013. In that championship season, Jones recorded 47 total tackles, 9 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, demonstrating his capability as a disruptive force in the trenches. Over his NFL career, which also included stints with the Indianapolis Colts (2014-2016) and the Washington Redskins (2017), Jones amassed 191 total tackles, 10.0 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles across 77 regular-season games.

Beyond his accomplished NFL career, Jones harbored a profound affinity for mixed martial arts, an interest that nearly saw him transition from the football field to the octagon. This contemplation became particularly serious during the 2011 NFL Lockout, a contentious period that significantly impacted players across the league. From March 2011, when the NFL and the players’ union failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement, until July 25, 2011, team facilities were shut down, and player contracts were suspended. With professional football activities grinding to a halt, Jones, unable to train with his Ravens teammates, actively explored the possibility of taking an MMA fight.

In a 2014 interview with the Indianapolis Star, Jones reflected on this pivotal period: "I love MMA. It’s fun to watch, and it’s something I entertained early in my football career, if football didn’t work out, of me fighting in the UFC. But things are going well for me right now, so I’m going to stick with my career." He further elaborated on his near-debut: "I was supposed to take a fight when we had the lockout a few years ago. I was getting ready to schedule it, and I was training for it. Thank God for the other guy, the lockout ended." This statement highlighted not only his serious intent but also the relief that the lockout’s conclusion spared a potential opponent from facing a formidable athlete with a strong wrestling pedigree.

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Jones’s martial arts background was substantial, rooted in his highly successful high school wrestling career. He was a two-time New York state wrestling heavyweight champion, showcasing a foundational grappling skill set that would serve as a strong base for any foray into MMA. During NFL offseasons, Arthur regularly trained alongside his younger brother, Jon, at the renowned Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico. At Jackson-Winkeljohn, a gym celebrated for producing numerous UFC champions, Arthur engaged in various combat disciplines. While his wrestling provided a solid base, he also dedicated significant time to boxing, refining his striking capabilities.

He emphasized the multifaceted benefits of this cross-training, stating, "I was a really good wrestler, so that was my base, but I do a lot of boxing in my off-season training. I train at Greg Jackson’s pretty much every offseason. I love it. It keeps my mind fresh. It just keeps me hungry when it’s football season because I’m training parts and muscles and different things, and it keeps me active in different ways so I don’t get bored doing the same thing with football." This regimen underscores a professional athlete’s dedication to holistic physical and mental conditioning, utilizing the intensity and diversity of combat sports to enhance his football performance.

The influence of Arthur Jones on his younger brother, Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time and arguably the most dominant light heavyweight champion in UFC history, was profound and formative. Jon Jones has often credited his exceptional fighting mentality and resilience to his upbringing as Arthur’s younger brother. Their relationship was characterized by intense sibling rivalry, a dynamic that Jon believes sculpted his competitive spirit.

In a 2017 interview with Bleacher Report, Jon Jones candidly spoke about this upbringing: "Not only was Arthur older and bigger, but he was a freak athlete. So, yeah, I pretty much grew up getting my ass kicked by a really special talent. I think it’s why I turned out to be so tough." This early exposure to a higher level of athletic prowess and the constant challenge of facing a stronger, older brother instilled a deep-seated toughness and an unyielding will to compete. Jon further elaborated on their brotherly contests: "Sometimes we’d just slap each other, and a fight would break out. That’s what brothers do. That’s what makes us all great competitors: We never back down from anything." This competitive crucible fostered a mindset that would later propel Jon to multiple UFC titles, a long undefeated streak at light heavyweight, and a current reign as the UFC Heavyweight Champion, solidifying his status in pound-for-pound discussions.

Both Arthur and Jon were high school wrestling standouts, but Arthur, with characteristic humility, acknowledged his younger brother’s superior talent in the sport. "I must confess here: I had the much easier route wrestling at 275," Arthur admitted. "Jon had all the studs in his weight class, wrestling 195. Those are men sizes — the average man as a senior or junior in high school. His competition was a lot stiffer than mine. I had better competition once I got to the state level, but Jon always had tough competition. But he was a guy who never quit." This insight from Arthur provides valuable context to Jon’s wrestling pedigree, highlighting the caliber of opponents Jon faced and the unwavering determination that has defined his career.

The Jones family is a remarkable athletic powerhouse, with all three brothers achieving professional success at the highest levels of their respective sports. The youngest brother, Chandler Jones, is also a highly accomplished NFL defensive end, known for his prolific pass-rushing ability. Chandler, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-Team All-Pro, won Super Bowl LIII with the New England Patriots and has also played for the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders. His career statistics include over 110 sacks, underscoring the extraordinary athletic genes shared among the siblings. The collective achievements of Arthur, Jon, and Chandler Jones paint a picture of unparalleled sporting excellence.

As of the time of this report, Jon and Chandler Jones had not publicly addressed the passing of their eldest brother. The loss of Arthur Jones reverberates deeply through the sports community, remembering him not only as a Super Bowl champion and a formidable athlete but also as a pivotal figure who helped shape the legendary career of his younger brother, Jon. His legacy is one of hard work, competitive spirit, and an enduring bond that transcended individual athletic pursuits.