The Jones family faces yet another heartbreaking loss as Arthur Jones, former NFL defensive lineman and brother of UFC legend Jon Jones, passes away at 39. A Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, Arthur was part of a legendary athletic trio alongside his brothers.

Their family’s legacy spans football and MMA, but recent tragedies have overshadowed their achievements, including Chandler Jones’ fatal accident earlier this year. Arthur’s death leaves Jon as the sole surviving brother of the iconic trio.

Jon Jones Brother Arthur Jones Dies at 39: Inside the Tragic NFL and MMA Legacy of the Jones Family

The Jones Family Mourns Another Tragic Loss

The sports world is reeling from the untimely death of Arthur Jones, former NFL defensive lineman and brother of UFC legend Jon Jones, who passed away at just 39 years old. This devastating news comes mere months after the tragic loss of younger brother Chandler Jones in June 2025, leaving Jon as the sole survivor of this remarkable athletic trio.

A Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, Arthur was part of one of sports’ most accomplished families. The Jones brothers collectively dominated both football and mixed martial arts, creating a legacy that spanned two major professional sports while inspiring countless athletes worldwide.

The brothers’ story is one of incredible triumphs shadowed by heartbreaking tragedies:

• Arthur’s NFL championship with the Ravens
• Chandler’s All-Pro career and another Super Bowl ring
• Jon’s record-setting UFC dominance
• The tragic deaths of both NFL-playing brothers within months of each other

What truly astonishes me is how three brothers from the same family could reach such elite levels in completely different combat sports. The Jones family athletic genes must be extraordinary.

Arthur Jones’ NFL Career: From Fifth Round Pick to Super Bowl Champion

Selected in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, Arthur Jones defied expectations to become an integral part of one of the league’s most feared defenses. Though not as highly touted as his younger brother Chandler (a first-round pick), Arthur carved out a respectable seven-year career as a versatile defensive lineman.

His career highlights include:

Jones’ Super Bowl victory stands as the crowning achievement of his NFL journey. Playing alongside legends like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, he contributed to a defense that stifled Colin Kaepernick’s dynamic 49ers offense in New Orleans. His ability to play multiple positions along the defensive line gave coordinators valuable flexibility.

Many forget Arthur was actually the trailblazer – he reached the NFL first, proving the Jones family could compete at football’s highest level before his brothers followed.

Chandler Jones: The Most Decorated NFL Brother

While Arthur laid the foundation, Chandler Jones built a skyscraper of NFL achievements. Drafted 21st overall by the New England Patriots in 2012, Chandler quickly established himself as one of football’s premier pass rushers. His career accomplishments dwarf those of his older brother:

• 4× Pro Bowl selections (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
• 2× First-team All-Pro (2017, 2019)
• NFL sacks leader (2017 with 17 sacks)
• Super Bowl XLIX champion
• 112 career sacks (ranked top 25 all-time at retirement)

Chandler’s time with the Arizona Cardinals particularly showcased his dominance. From 2016-2020, he averaged 13 sacks per season while terrorizing NFC West quarterbacks. His 5-sack game against Tennessee in 2019 remains one of the most dominant defensive performances in NFL history.

Chandler possessed that rare combination of speed, power and technique that makes pass rushers so valuable. His ability to force fumbles (34 career FF) made him doubly dangerous.

The Tragic End of Chandler Jones’ Life

The football world was shocked when Chandler Jones died unexpectedly in June 2025 after being struck by a vehicle in Los Angeles. At just 33 years old, his passing came barely two years after retiring from professional football.

The incident occurred:

• Date: June 15, 2025
• Time: Approximately 3:15 AM
• Location: Los Angeles freeway
• Cause: Blunt force trauma from collision

Tributes poured in from across the NFL community, with former teammates and opponents alike praising Chandler’s work ethic and kindness off the field. His death made Arthur’s passing four months later especially heartbreaking for the Jones family.

Jon Jones: The UFC Legend Who Outearned His NFL Brothers

While both brothers found NFL success, Jon “Bones” Jones became the family’s most famous athlete through his unprecedented UFC dominance. Holding numerous records in MMA’s premier organization, Jon’s financial success reportedly surpassed his brothers’ NFL earnings combined.

Jon Jones’ UFC accomplishments include:

• Youngest UFC champion in history (23 years old)
• Longest unbeaten streak in UFC history (18 fights)
• Most title defenses in light heavyweight history (11)
• Highest pay-per-view numbers among non-heavyweights

It’s fascinating how combat sports earnings can eclipse traditional team sports salaries for the absolute elite. Jon’s ability to be his own “brand” rather than just team player gave him financial leverage few athletes enjoy.

The Financial Comparison Between Brothers

A public point of discussion among the brothers was their relative earnings. Arthur once joked that Jon made more from one UFC fight than he did in an entire NFL season.

Estimated career earnings:

While Chandler’s NFL contracts surpassed Jon’s disclosed fight purses, endorsement deals and pay-per-view points likely closed the gap significantly.

The Jones Family Legacy: Triumph and Tragedy

The story of Arthur, Chandler and Jon Jones represents one of sports’ greatest familial success stories tempered by profound loss. Their collective achievements across football and MMA created a legacy unlikely to be matched.

Key aspects of their impact:

• Demonstrated elite athleticism can manifest differently across sports
• Proved NFL and MMA success could coexist in one family
• Inspired countless young athletes from similar backgrounds
• Highlighted the physical toll professional sports can take

With Arthur and Chandler’s passings, Jon now carries the family torch alone. His continued involvement in combat sports ensures the Jones name remains prominent in athletic circles.

What saddens me most is we’ll never see these brothers grow old together, sharing stories of their incredible careers. The sports world owes them immense gratitude for their collective contributions.

Unanswered Questions Surrounding Arthur’s Death

While Chandler’s passing resulted from a clear accident, circumstances around Arthur Jones’ death remain cloudy. At just 39 years old, speculation has swirled about potential health factors:

• Possible CTE or football-related brain trauma
• Cardiac issues tied to athlete physiology
• Undisclosed pre-existing conditions
• The emotional toll of losing his brother months prior

The family has requested privacy regarding Arthur’s cause of death, leaving fans to respectfully honor his memory while awaiting potential answers.