The athletic community is deeply saddened by the passing of Arthur Jones, the former Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman who achieved Super Bowl glory. Jones, aged 39, was the eldest of three siblings in a lineage of exceptional athletes, which includes the renowned UFC champion Jon Jones. It’s noteworthy that Arthur almost ventured into the world of mixed martial arts, following in his younger brother’s footsteps.
Arthur contemplated a career shift to MMA during the NFL labor dispute of 2011. In March of that year, negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the players’ union reached an impasse. Consequently, team owners initiated a lockout, effectively closing team facilities, halting training activities, and suspending player contract payments. As Arthur found himself unable to practice or train with his Baltimore Ravens colleagues during the lockout, which extended until July 25, he gave serious consideration to participating in an MMA bout.
“MMA holds a special place in my heart,” Arthur shared with the Indianapolis Star in 2014. “I find it captivating to watch, and I even pondered the idea of competing in the UFC early in my football journey, had football not proven to be a viable path. However, my football career is progressing favorably at the moment, so I’m committed to pursuing it further.
“I was on the verge of accepting a fight during the lockout that occurred a few years back. I was in the process of finalizing the arrangements and undergoing training. Fortunately for the other prospective fighter, the lockout was resolved.”
Arthur possessed a foundation in martial arts. He achieved the distinction of being a two-time New York state wrestling heavyweight champion and engaged in training across various disciplines alongside Jon at Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico, during the off-season.
“My wrestling background provided a solid foundation, given my achievements in the sport. However, I integrate boxing extensively into my off-season regimen,” Arthur explained. “I dedicate my off-season training to Greg Jackson’s facility.
“I genuinely appreciate it. It invigorates my mind. It sustains my enthusiasm throughout the football season, as I’m engaging different muscle groups and undergoing varied exercises, ensuring I remain active in diverse ways, preventing monotony from the repetitive nature of football.”
Jon, widely acknowledged as one of the most accomplished MMA fighters in history and arguably the finest light heavyweight champion the UFC has ever seen, attributes his combative spirit to his experiences growing up as Arthur’s younger sibling.
“Arthur’s advantage extended beyond his age and size; he was also an exceptionally gifted athlete,” Jon recounted to Bleacher Report in 2017. “Consequently, my formative years were largely defined by enduring physical setbacks at the hands of a truly remarkable talent. I believe this is instrumental in shaping my resilience.
“We sometimes engaged in playful physical altercations, which occasionally escalated into full-fledged fights. That’s characteristic of brotherly relationships. It’s what fosters our competitive drive: We steadfastly refuse to yield in the face of adversity.”
Arthur and Jon both distinguished themselves as accomplished wrestlers during their high school years, although Arthur conceded that his younger brother displayed greater innate wrestling talent.
“I must confess here: My wrestling journey at 275 pounds was considerably less arduous,” Arthur acknowledged. “Jon encountered formidable opponents in his 195-pound weight class. Those are representative of adult male sizes — the average male in their senior or junior year of high school. His competitive landscape was significantly more demanding than mine. While I encountered greater competition at the state level, Jon consistently faced tough adversaries. Nevertheless, he remained unyielding.”
Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to Jones’ residence in Syracuse, New York, shortly before 11 a.m. on Friday, according to News Channel 9’s Steve Infanti. A spokesperson for the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department informed the outlet that Jones’ pacemaker activated in the morning, automatically notifying his physician. Jones had a history of a pre-existing heart condition.
As of now, neither Jon nor Chandler Jones, the youngest of the Jones brothers, have issued a public statement regarding his passing.
