Legendary two-division UFC champion Jon Jones and the rest of the sporting world were left in disbelief this month when Super Bowl champion Arthur Jones III passed away at the age of just 39. The former NFL star retired from football at 31 after a standout career as a defensive tackle.

Arthur was the eldest of three brothers, all of whom appeared to inherit the super-athlete gene from their grandmother. Jon is arguably the greatest UFC fighter of all time, while youngest brother Chandler is also a Super Bowl champion with the 2014 New England Patriots.

Jones releases first statement on brother’s passing

After allowing for three weeks of relative silence save for a few brief messages, Jon Jones allowed himself to open up to fans on social media overnight. He had previously reacted to Alex Pereira’s touching tribute to his brother and shared a message about funeral details on X. He also sent a message to Arthur’s son and shared a promotional post for his fight promoting Dirty Boxing Championship.

However, he made a more pointed statement on Wednesday night, sharing a video of him and his siblings and writing a lengthy tribute to his older brother. Arthur was not just a Super Bowl champion but a father, spouse, son, brother and everyone’s best friend, Jones explained. He described him as a gentle giant whose kindness and generosity knew no bounds.

Brother remembered for love of outdoors and community

Arthur had a love for the outdoors, whether it was duck hunting, fishing or riding four wheelers with his family. He brought pure joy, warmth and laughter to every moment spent around him, according to his brother. Arthur’s generosity extended far beyond his friends and family, Jones noted.

He was always involved in local charities and gave back to the students and the community with an open heart. His legacy inspires the UFC champion every day.

Family committed to honoring Arthur’s memory

Their father Arthur Jones Jr., Jon, Chandler, Arthur Jones IV and the rest of the family are committed to moving forward striving to be the best versions of themselves, just as Arthur would have wanted. King Arthur will truly be missed and he’s gone way too soon, but his spirit will live on in their hearts forever, Jones wrote.

The fighter told his brother to rest easy, noting that he deserves it and did amazing. The emotional tribute captured the profound impact Arthur had not just as a professional athlete but as a beloved family member and community figure.

Three brothers all achieved athletic excellence

The Jones brothers represent a remarkable athletic family legacy. While Jon achieved legendary status in mixed martial arts and Chandler earned his own Super Bowl ring, Arthur carved out a successful NFL career that saw him reach the pinnacle of professional football.

The fact that all three brothers reached the highest levels of their respective sports speaks to both natural talent and the family culture that supported their development. Their grandmother’s athletic genes combined with evident family support created an environment where excellence became the standard.

Timing of tribute follows period of grief

The three week gap between Arthur’s passing and Jon’s detailed public statement reflects the natural process of grief. The brief messages and reactions during that period showed Jones was processing the loss privately while still acknowledging the outpouring of support from the combat sports and football communities.

Wednesday’s fuller tribute suggests Jones reached a point where he felt ready to share more comprehensively with fans and the public. The video and written message provided a window into both Arthur’s character and the family bond the brothers shared.

Legacy extends beyond athletic achievements

While Arthur’s Super Bowl championship and NFL career represent significant accomplishments, Jones’ tribute emphasized his brother’s qualities as a person. The focus on kindness, generosity, community involvement and family devotion painted a picture of someone whose impact transcended sports.

The mention of Arthur’s charitable work and connection to students highlights how he used his platform and resources to benefit others. For Jon Jones, these aspects of his brother’s character appear to matter as much as any on field success.

As the Jones family navigates this loss, they do so with the knowledge that Arthur’s spirit and example will continue guiding them forward.