Updated: Sat, Oct 4, 2025, 2:20 PM ET

What happened

Arthur Jones — Super Bowl–winning defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and older brother of UFC champion Jon Jones and NFL pass rusher Chandler Jones — has died, according to multiple outlets and team statements. The cause of death has not yet been publicly released. Family and former teams shared tributes as the sports world reacted in shock to the news on Saturday. [[source: TMZ Sports]] [[source: ESPN]] [[source: Baltimore Ravens]]

Why fans are losing it

Across America, the Arthur Jones news hit like a blindside block. One minute you’re scrolling football clips, the next you see Arthur Jones trending next to searches like “how did Arthur Jones die” and “Arthur Jones cause of death today.” Social feeds, from Baltimore diehards to UFC fans, lit up instantly. He wasn’t just any lineman — Jones was a locker room anchor, a Super Bowl XLVII champ, and part of one of sports’ most famous brother trios. The shock factor is real, the grief is loud, and the questions are piling up fast. [[source: The Baltimore Sun]] [[source: ESPN]]

Key takeaways
  • Arthur Jones, former Ravens DT and Super Bowl champion, has died; cause not yet released. [[source: TMZ Sports]] [[source: ESPN]]
  • He was the older brother of UFC star Jon Jones and NFL DE Chandler Jones. [[source: ESPN]]
  • Teams and teammates posted tributes; more details expected from the family and authorities. [[source: Baltimore Ravens]]
  • Fans across the U.S. are searching for Arthur Jones’ cause of death and memorial info today. [[source: The Baltimore Sun]]

Why it matters to you

This story cuts beyond team colors. If you’re an NFL fan, you remember Jones clogging gaps and wrecking run plays on Sundays. If you’re a UFC diehard, you know the Jones family story — the grind, the controversy, the glory — and how tight-knit that brotherhood is. When a 39-year-old former pro suddenly dies with no immediate cause released, it jolts all of us. Expect your feeds — Instagram, X, Reddit — to be wall-to-wall with highlights, tributes, and rumors. Here’s what’s real and what’s still TBD. [[source: ESPN]] [[source: The Athletic]]

The facts we know right now

  • Arthur Jones has died, according to multiple reports and statements reviewed by our newsroom. [[source: TMZ Sports]] [[source: ESPN]] [[source: Baltimore Ravens]]
  • Officials have not released an official cause of death as of this update. [[source: TMZ Sports]]
  • Family and former teams have shared condolences; full family statement is pending. [[source: ESPN]] [[source: Baltimore Ravens]]
  • Social search interest in “Arthur Jones” and “Arthur Jones cause of death” spiked sharply in the U.S. today. [[source: Google Trends]]

Context & background: who Arthur Jones was

Arthur Jones was a 6'3" defensive tackle known for his power, pad level, and relentless motor. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2010, he evolved from rotational piece to reliable starter — the kind of trench warrior every contender needs when the weather turns cold. His breakthrough coincided with Baltimore’s run to a Lombardi Trophy, helping the Ravens win Super Bowl XLVII over the 49ers. [[source: ESPN]] [[source: Pro-Football-Reference]]

After the ring, Jones signed a lucrative free-agent deal with the Indianapolis Colts in 2014. Injuries, however, chewed into his snap counts and seasons — a harsh reminder that life in the trenches comes with a price. He later had a stint with the New England Patriots before stepping away from the league. Across those chapters, teammates consistently described Jones as a glue-guy: tough, upbeat, and brutally honest in the film room. [[source: ESPN]] [[source: The Indianapolis Star]]

Of course, the Jones name hits different. Arthur was the eldest of the trio that includes Jon “Bones” Jones — arguably the greatest mixed martial artist ever — and Chandler Jones, a Pro Bowl edge rusher. Their family story became sports folklore: three elite brothers from upstate New York, hustling their way into separate pro spotlights. When one Jones made headlines, the other two were rarely far from the conversation. [[source: ESPN]] [[source: The Athletic]]

Fans can’t stop talking about the cause of death

Let’s address the biggest question circulating: what was Arthur Jones’ cause of death? As of publication, officials have not provided details, and no medical examiner’s report has been released publicly. Early reporting emphasizes that information is forthcoming and that the family is asking for privacy. Until a coroner or family statement lands, anything beyond that is speculation — and in 2025, speculation spreads faster than the truth. Keep your notifications on, but keep your guard up. [[source: TMZ Sports]] [[source: ESPN]]

What people across U.S. sports are saying

  • Ravens and ex-teammates: Heartfelt posts honoring Jones’ leadership and the 2012–13 title run, with highlight clips making the rounds. [[source: Baltimore Ravens]] [[source: The Baltimore Sun]]
  • UFC community: An outpouring for Jon Jones’ family, with fighters and fans sharing prayers and stories of Arthur’s support in Jon’s camps. [[source: ESPN]] [[source: MMA Fighting]]
  • Colts fans: Mixed emotions — gratitude for Jones choosing Indy in free agency, frustration that injuries limited his time, and now grief for the man behind the facemask. [[source: The Indianapolis Star]]

The bigger picture: football, family, and life after the league

Arthur Jones’ career doubled as a case study in the realities of NFL life. Peak performance, yes — but also the toll. From weight-room wars to line-of-scrimmage collisions, the mileage adds up. While there is no official indication his death is related to football, fatalities of former players often restart conversations around long-term health, mental wellness, and the kind of support systems ex-athletes need in retirement. Expect experts to weigh in as the public seeks answers. [[source: NPR]] [[source: The Washington Post]]

Arthur Jones by the numbers

  • Drafted: 2010, Baltimore Ravens [[source: ESPN]]
  • Ring: Super Bowl XLVII (2013 season) [[source: ESPN]]
  • Teams: Ravens, Colts, Patriots [[source: ESPN]]
  • Family ties: Oldest brother to Jon Jones (UFC) and Chandler Jones (NFL) [[source: ESPN]]

Beware the rumor mill

When a celebrity or athlete dies, the internet goes into theory mode instantly — some helpful, much of it harmful. A working rule of thumb for readers: if a detail isn’t coming from law enforcement, medical examiners, direct family statements, or verified team accounts, treat it as a rumor. Screenshots without sources? Red flag. "Insider" threads without attribution? Pass. Screens and receipts or it didn’t happen. [[source: AP]] [[source: Reuters]]

What to watch next

  • Official cause of death: Look for an initial release from authorities or the family within the next 24–72 hours (by Tue, Oct 7, 2025). [[source: TMZ Sports]]
  • Team tributes: The Ravens and Colts may hold moments of silence or produce video tributes during upcoming games in Week 5 (Sun, Oct 5–Mon, Oct 6, 2025). [[source: Baltimore Ravens]] [[source: The Indianapolis Star]]
  • Memorial details: Public or private service information could arrive later this week; expect updates through verified family or team channels. [[source: ESPN]]
  • Jon and Chandler statements: Keep an eye on their official accounts for personal tributes and memorial information. [[source: ESPN]]

How we’ll update this story

We’re tracking only verified updates from primary sources (family statements, official notices, team announcements) and top-tier outlets (AP, Reuters, ESPN). Bookmark this page. We’ll refresh the timeline and FAQs as new facts land. [[source: AP]] [[source: Reuters]] [[source: ESPN]]

Quick refresher: Arthur Jones in the NFL

Jones wasn’t a flashy sack-chaser; he was the guy who made everyone else’s job easier. He ate double teams so edge rushers could feast. He held his ground so linebackers could flow. Ask anyone who watched those Ravens teams: the trench work mattered. That’s why his name still hits — because big moments, like a Super Bowl parade through Baltimore, don’t happen without guys like Arthur. [[source: ESPN]] [[source: The Baltimore Sun]]

If you’re new here: the Jones brothers

  • Arthur Jones: NFL DT, Super Bowl champ with the Ravens.
  • Jon Jones: UFC heavyweight champion and all-time great.
  • Chandler Jones: NFL defensive end and Pro Bowler.

Three brothers. Three pro careers. An American sports saga — one that just took a heartbreaking turn. [[source: ESPN]]

Want more smart guides while you scroll? Check these out next:

Legal & Editorial Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Facts and figures are based on the cited sources as of the publication date and may change. No warranties are made regarding completeness or accuracy. The publisher and author disclaim any liability for actions taken based on this content. All trademarks and copyrights belong to their respective owners. If you believe any material infringes your rights, please contact us for review or removal.