(WJW) – The Baltimore Ravens are mourning the death of former defensive tackle Arthur Jones.
The Ravens announced Friday that Jones died at the age of 39.
Jones played for the Ravens from 2010 to 2013.
In Super Bowl XLVII, Jones sacked San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and recovered a fumble, helping the Ravens secure a 34-31 victory — moments before the lights famously went out in the Superdome. Current Browns quarterback Joe Flacco went on to win MVP of that game.
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: Arthur Jones #97 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after winning Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Rob Tringali/SportsChrome/Getty Images) -
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: Arthur Jones #97 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates in the locker room following their 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) -
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 17: Arthur Jones #97 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up during a game against the Chicago Bears on November 17, 2013 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) -
CHICAGO, IL – NOVEMBER 17: Arthur Jones #97 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up during a game against the Chicago Bears on November 17, 2013 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
“We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’ sudden passing,” Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement Friday. “Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others. He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic — always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends.”
Jones, a fifth-round pick out of Syracuse in 2010, went on to play three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and one with Washington after leaving Baltimore.
He retired after the 2017 season.
“My heart is heavy today after the loss of Art Jones,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “Art was truly a remarkable person. A dedicated teammate, a relentless worker, and someone any coach would be proud to lead. His love for life, generous spirit, and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
“He had a genuine gift for connecting with people, bringing joy to the locker room and beyond, and his presence was a source of light within our team and the Baltimore community,” Harbaugh added.
Jones is the older brother of UFC legend and former heavyweight champion Jon Jones, and former NFL defensive end Chandler Jones, who won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
Details surrounding his death were not immediately released.