WR Marvin Jones Jr. parts ways with Lions 'to take care of personal family matters'
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. is stepping away from the team "to take care of personal family matters," he said Tuesday in a social media post.
Minutes after Jones shared his statement, the Lions announced his release from the team along with other roster moves. Both sides agreed to part ways, according to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News.
"I just want to say that I have so much love and respect for the Ford Family, the city of Detroit, my teammates and coaches," he wrote. "Although this was no easy decision, I cannot be the person/player that I need to be for this team as well as tend to my family from afar. This organization has been amazing showing love and support for myself and my family over the years and this time is no different. For that I am appreciative. To my brothers and coaches, I will be rooting for you every step of the way! This is the year! Go get it!!!"
Jones, 33, notched five catches for 35 yards in six games as a depth piece for the Lions' receiving corps so far this season. Although he wasn't previously listed on the injury report, he joined running back David Montgomery and offensive lineman Jonah Jackson in a group of players that were ruled out early for Detroit's 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Jones returned to his former team on a $3 million deal in March after two years with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Before that, he spent five seasons in Detroit from 2016-2020. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals out of Cal in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft
In Lions franchise history, only Calvin Johnson and Herman Moore caught more touchdowns than Jones' 36. He holds top 10 all-time rankings for the team in receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards.
