Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. steps away from team for "personal family matters"
(CBS DETROIT) - Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. announced Tuesday that he is stepping away from the team to "take care of personal family matters."
Jones, 33, did not disclose the matter but said in a social media post that it was not an 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," he said. "This organization has been amazing showing love and support for myself and my family over the years and this 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!!!"
The 2012 fifth-round draft pick returned to Detroit in the spring after playing with the Jacksonville Jaguars for two seasons. He played five seasons with Detroit between 2016-2020, with one of his best seasons with the team being in 2017, when he started in 16 games, receiving 61 catches for 1,101 yards.
According to the NFL, Jones was inactive for the first time this season in week 7, when the team suffered a major loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the loss, the Lions remain at the top of the NFC North Division with a 5-2 season so far.
The Lions will take on the Raiders at home on Oct. 30 for Monday Night Football.