The Tragic And Triumphant Story Of Jon Jones’s Brothers: A Family Of NFL And UFC Champions

The Jones brothers represent one of the most remarkable athletic dynasties in modern sports history, a unique trio of siblings who have all achieved championship-level success in the world's most demanding professional leagues. While Jon "Bones" Jones etched his name as arguably the greatest fighter in Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history, his two older brothers, Arthur Jones and Chandler Jones, established dominant careers as defensive linemen in the National Football League (NFL). This article, updated in December 2025, delves into the lives and careers of the Jones brothers, focusing on the recent, heartbreaking news that has profoundly affected the entire family. The story of this athletic triumvirate is one of shared genetics, competitive spirit, and deep faith, rooted in their upbringing in Rochester, New York. The collective achievements of the Jones family—a UFC Heavyweight Champion, a Super Bowl Champion, and a multiple-time Pro Bowler—are a testament to the athletic gifts passed down from their parents, Arthur Jones Jr., a retired pastor, and his wife, Camile Jones. The recent passing of one of the brothers has brought an emotional spotlight onto their incredible bond and enduring legacy.

Biography and Career Highlights of the Jones Brothers

The Jones family is a powerful example of athletic excellence, with three sons reaching the pinnacle of professional sports. Here is a detailed profile of the three legendary brothers.

Arthur Jones III (The Super Bowl Champion)

• Full Name: Arthur Willis Jones III
• Born: June 3, 1986, in Rochester, New York
• Died: October 3, 2025, in Pompey, New York
• Age at Death: 39
• College: Syracuse University
• NFL Draft: 2010, Round 5, Pick 157 by the Baltimore Ravens
• Primary Position: Defensive End / Defensive Tackle
• NFL Teams: Baltimore Ravens (2010–2013), Indianapolis Colts (2014–2016), Washington Redskins (2017)
• Career Highlights: Super Bowl XLVII Champion (Baltimore Ravens)

Arthur Jones was the eldest of the three brothers and the first to achieve a professional championship, winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. A powerful presence on the defensive line, he was known for his run-stopping ability and high motor. His college career at Syracuse University was distinguished, setting a school record for tackles for loss by an interior defensive lineman. Arthur’s NFL career spanned seven seasons, during which he accumulated 173 total tackles and 10.0 sacks across 64 games.

Jon "Bones" Jones (The UFC GOAT)

• Full Name: Jonathan Dwight Jones
• Born: July 19, 1987, in Rochester, New York
• Age: 38 (as of December 2025)
• College: Iowa Central Community College, Morrisville State College
• Primary Discipline: Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
• UFC Divisions: Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight
• Career Highlights: Two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, UFC Heavyweight Champion, widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time (GOAT).

Jon Jones chose the cage over the gridiron, becoming one of the most dominant and polarizing figures in combat sports. His unique fighting style, combining wrestling, striking, and an unparalleled fight IQ, allowed him to conquer both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions. While his career has been marked by controversy outside the Octagon, his in-cage achievements remain unmatched, including his status as the youngest champion in UFC history.

Chandler Jones (The Pro Bowl Pass Rusher)

• Full Name: Chandler James Jones
• Born: February 27, 1990, in Rochester, New York
• Age: 35 (as of December 2025)
• College: Syracuse University
• NFL Draft: 2012, Round 1, Pick 21 by the New England Patriots
• Primary Position: Defensive End / Edge Rusher
• NFL Teams: New England Patriots (2012–2015), Arizona Cardinals (2016–2021), Las Vegas Raiders (2022–2024)
• Career Highlights: 4x Pro Bowl selection, 2x First-team All-Pro, NFL sack leader (2017), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

Chandler Jones is the most decorated NFL player of the three brothers, known for his explosive speed and elite pass-rushing skills. Drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots, he quickly became a cornerstone of their defense. After a successful stint in New England, he truly flourished with the Arizona Cardinals, leading the NFL in sacks in 2017 and earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. As of December 2025, Chandler Jones is an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA), actively seeking his next opportunity after being released by the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Tragic Loss: Arthur Jones's Sudden Passing in 2025

The world of sports, and the Jones family in particular, was shaken by the sudden death of Arthur Jones on October 3, 2025. The Super Bowl champion passed away unexpectedly at the age of 39 in Pompey, New York. The cause of death was confirmed to be a cardiac event. The news brought a flood of tributes from former teammates, coaches, and fans across the NFL. Arthur's legacy as a powerful, relentless defensive lineman and a respected teammate was immediately highlighted in the outpouring of public grief.

Jon Jones's Emotional Tribute to His Brother

UFC star Jon Jones broke his silence shortly after the news, sharing an emotional and heartfelt tribute to his older brother. Jon described Arthur as a loving family man and a profound source of inspiration. In his public statement, Jon Jones spoke of his commitment to carrying on his brother's legacy, stating that Arthur's memory would continue to inspire him, Chandler, and the rest of the Jones family to move forward and strive for excellence. The tragic event underscored the deep, competitive, yet loving relationship between the brothers, who often supported each other from the sidelines of the Octagon and the gridiron.

Chandler Jones's Status and The Future of the Dynasty

As of late 2025, Chandler Jones’s professional status is a key point of interest for NFL fans. After a challenging final season with the Las Vegas Raiders, the elite edge rusher is currently an Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA). Jones remains one of the most prolific pass rushers of his generation, with a career sack total that places him among the all-time greats. However, at 35, and following a period of personal challenges, his next move will determine the final chapter of his remarkable career. Speculation remains high in the NFL community regarding potential landing spots for the veteran defensive force, with many teams looking for a proven, high-impact player to bolster their pass rush. The possibility of a final contract to chase a championship remains a significant storyline for the Jones family dynasty.

The Legacy of the Jones Brothers: A Sporting Phenomenon

The story of the Jones brothers—Arthur, Jon, and Chandler—is more than just a collection of individual accolades; it is a narrative about a family that redefined athletic success across two of the world's toughest sports. They share the distinction of being one of the few sibling groups in history to achieve such high levels of dominance in different professional arenas. Their combined legacy includes a UFC Heavyweight Championship, a Super Bowl ring, and multiple Pro Bowl selections. The passing of Arthur Jones serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even for elite athletes. However, it also solidifies the enduring legacy of the Jones family name—a name synonymous with power, dedication, and championship pedigree in the annals of both NFL and UFC history. The competitive fire they shared, which fueled their individual careers, has now become a source of strength for the surviving brothers as they honor Arthur’s memory.