Former SU DL Arthur Jones dies at 39
Former Syracuse football player Arthur Jones died on Friday. Jones played for SU from 2005-09 before moving on to the NFL. Daily Orange Archive Photo
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Former Syracuse defensive lineman Arthur Jones has died at age 39, the Baltimore Ravens announced in a press release Friday afternoon.
Jones played with the Orange from 2005-09, recording 38.5 career tackles for loss — the most by an SU interior defensive lineman — and 145 tackles, 10th most in program history. Jones is the older brother of former Syracuse defensive end Chandler Jones, who was a four-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots, and UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
“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,” Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta stated in the press release. “He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic — always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends.”
Jones arrived at Syracuse as a top-15 recruit from Endicott, New York, before solidifying an everyday role on SU’s defensive line. After not seeing the field his freshman year, Jones broke out for 15 tackles and a fumble recovery as a redshirt freshman.
From there, he became one of the Orange’s defensive mainstays, garnering national attention with an All-Big East Second Team selection in 2007 and All-Big East First Team honors in 2008 and 2009.
Following his collegiate career, Jones was selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Ravens. He played in Baltimore for three seasons, helping it win Super Bowl XLVII with a fumble recovery and 47 total tackles across the season.
After his time in Baltimore, Jones bounced around with the Indianapolis Colts for two seasons and the Washington Redskins for one. He finished his career with 173 total tackles, 10 sacks and two forced fumbles.
