National Football League

Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. steps away for personal reasons

Published Oct. 24, 2023 6:08 p.m. ET

Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. has announced that he will be stepping away from the team to deal with a family matter.

"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," Jones wrote in a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter). "To be brief, I am stepping away from the team to take care of personal family matters. 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!!! Love and respect to ALL!"

Jones has brought in five receptions for 35 yards this season, and has mostly served in a backup capacity behind wideouts like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynolds. Jameson Williams has also garnered significant attention since returning from his suspension.

This season marks his second stint in Detroit, after spending five seasons with the team from 2015-20. He began his career in Cincinnati. Detroit is now 5-2 after losing to Baltimore Sunday.