Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl champion Arthur Jones III dies at 39
Former Baltimore Ravens defensive end Arthur Willis Jones III has died, according to a post from the NFL team.
Jones, 39, played for the Ravens during their 2013 Super Bowl run, when they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
During that game, Jones sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick just before a major power outage at the New Orleans Superdome. He also managed to recover a fumble, which helped him earn his first and only Super Bowl ring.
During the 2013 season, Jones accumulated 4 sacks and 54 total tackles, including 25 assisted tackles.
"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 love for family, teammates, and friends. We send our deepest condolences to the Jones family and all who loved Arthur," Baltimore Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta said in the statement.
Syracuse University reported that medical personnel were dispatched to Jones' New York home after his defibrillator went off on Friday.
According to our media partner, The Baltimore Banner, Jones had a preexisting medical condition and was pronounced dead in his home.
Arthur Jones' career
Arthur Jones was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft from Syracuse University, where he was named a three-time First-Team All-Big East selection.
In a statement from Syracuse football, the team recognized Jones as a star of their program from 2005 to 2009.
There, he had 38.5 tackles for loss, which is the most in Syracuse history by an interior defensive lineman, according to the team.
He also made 146 tackles during his tenure, which ranked him amongst the top-10 in program history for career tackles by a defensive lineman.
"Arthur Jones was a tremendous player and even better person," said Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack. "He was someone that brought joy to everyone he encountered. We were fortunate that Arthur continued to support our football program after his playing career. He impacted many of our student-athletes, always with a smile and uplifting message. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones. He will be forever Orange."
After being drafted to the NFL, Jones played three seasons with the Ravens before being signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2014.
Jones played three years with the Colts before retiring with the Washington Commanders in 2017.
During his NFL career, Jones accumulated 173 total tackles, 10 sacks, and two forced fumbles, according to ESPN.
