Former Syracuse defensive lineman Arthur Jones, who went on to win a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, died Friday at age 39.

Syracuse.com said he died at his home in the Syracuse suburb of Pompey. The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office told the outlet he had a preexisting heart condition and used a defibrillator. The device went off, sending a message that indicated a medical emergency.

By the time emergency medical providers reached Jones, he had passed away.

As word spread of his death, reaction poured in from those with ties to the Syracuse program, the NFL and even UFC.

Arthur Jones was the oldest child in a sports-minded family. Younger brother Chandler Jones also played football at Syracuse, and another brother, Jon Jones, is a former UFC champion.

Arthur Jones Remembered

"Arthur Jones was a tremendous player and even better person," Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said. “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."

With the Orange from 2005-09, Jones made 146 tackles with 38.5 of them for loss. That is the most in program history by an interior defensive lineman, and he earned first-team All-Big East honors in his junior and senior seasons. He was a team captain as a senior.

"I'm saddened to hear of the passing of Arthur Jones," head coach Fran Brown said. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to have gotten to know him over the past two years. His kindness and personality were a joy to be around. My prayers are with his family, friends, our alumni and everyone who knew him during this difficult time."

A native of Endicott, N.Y., Jones was selected by the Ravens in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played with the Ravens (2010-13), Indianapolis Colts (2014, 2016) and Washington (2017).

In all, he appeared in 64 games (31 starts), made 173 tackles and had 10 sacks – 8.5 of them in a two-season span with the Ravens. He played in Super Bowl XLVII after the 2012 season when the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers. He recovered a fumble in the game.

"My heart is heavy today after the loss of Art Jones," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Art was a truly remarkable person, a dedicated teammate, a relentless worker, and someone any coach would be proud to lead. His love for life, generous spirit, and radiant smile left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

"He had a genuine gift for connecting with people, bringing joy to the locker room and beyond, and his presence was a source of light within our team and the Baltimore community."

He connected with people on the UFC circuit, too.

“UFC is saddened to hear about the passing of Arthur Jones. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones,” the promotion said in a statement on social media.

And former champion Conor McGregor remembered him with a personal message posted to X.

“Very sad to hear this news, Arthur was a great man, a friendly giant! God speed, Arthur Jones.”

Jones was the second prominent former Syracuse player to pass away this week. 

Lawrence Moten, the basketball program's all-time leading scorer, died Tuesday at age 53 at his home in Washington, D.C.