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Marvin Jones Jr. announced on Tuesday, October 24, that he is stepping away from the Detroit Lions for personal reasons.
The 33-year-old wide receiver released a statement saying he was stepping away “to focus on a family matter” and thanked the franchise for their “love and support” throughout his time with the team.
“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. To be brief, I am stepping away from the team to take care of personal family matters,” Jones wrote in a statement on social media.
“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 was released following his announcement as part of an agreement with the team.
Jones left the team late last week and did not travel with the Lions for Sunday’s Week 7 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Lions head coach Dan Campbell would not comment on Jones’ absence, simply saying “it’s a personal issue.”
This season, Jones recorded five catches for 35 yards in six games and found himself behind the likes of star wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams on the depth chart.
Throughout his 11-year career, Jones hauled in 547 catches for 7,421 yards, and 58 touchdowns.