SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As construction work continues on the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, two former Syracuse University football standouts have made a “seven-figure commitment” to the project. The donation from Arthur and Chandler Jones will help with construction of the new Football Operations Center at the complex, the university said Oct. 12. Syracuse didn’t […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As construction work continues on the John A. Lally Athletics Complex, two former Syracuse University football standouts have made a “seven-figure commitment” to the project.
The donation from Arthur and Chandler Jones will help with construction of the new Football Operations Center at the complex, the university said Oct. 12. Syracuse didn’t release a specific dollar figure.
In recognition of the Jones brothers’ commitment, Syracuse will name the second level football suite in the new Football Operations Center in their honor, Syracuse said.
The brothers, who grew up in Endicott in Broome County each starred on the defensive side of the ball during their time wearing orange. Arthur Jones graduated in 2009, and Chandler Jones graduated in 2015.
The Lally Athletics Complex, which is currently under construction, is a “state-of-the-art” academic and athletics village that will benefit more than 600 student-athletes, as described in the school’s news release.
“My father being a pastor, he instilled in my brothers and me that it’s always better to give than to receive,” Arthur Jones said. “Syracuse University has been a blessing to my family and me throughout the years. The impact that SU has made on me is priceless, and you can’t put a dollar amount on that. I am a proud alumnus of the greatest school in the world!”
The Jones brothers’ commitment represents a “major boost” for the university’s $1.5 billion Forever Orange campaign and “continues to build momentum” toward completing the project’s first phase.
Initial components of the first phase began in the spring with construction of a new front entrance into the complex. Additional renovations included in the first phase are “dependent upon philanthropy being secured,” including the new Football Operations Center and the updated Olympic sports wing, Syracuse said.
Designated as a “core priority” of the first phase and “vital to the future of Syracuse football,” the Football Operations Center, once complete, seeks to boost recruiting efforts and support new levels of development for Syracuse football student-athletes.
“Syracuse Football is a great piece of my history that I will always cherish,” Chandler Jones said. “It is an honor for me to give back and be part of shaping the future of Syracuse Football. Together, we can continue to build a legacy of excellence on the football field and in the classroom. Being able to lift up others to assist in accomplishing their dreams is something I look forward to telling my children one day.”
NFL success
A defensive lineman from 2005-2009, Arthur Jones was a two-time All-Big East First Team selection and was selected in the 5th round of the 2010 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He played for the Ravens from 2010-2013, including the team that won Super Bowl XLVII in the 2012 season
Chandler Jones, a defensive end for the Orange from 2008-2011, and All-Big East First Team selection, was a 1st round pick by the New England Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft. During his four seasons with the Patriots, New England won Super Bowl XLIX in the 2014 season. From 2016-2021, he played for the Arizona Cardinals before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022. Chandler has recorded the most sacks and forced fumbles of anyone in the league since 2012. His 71.5 sacks during his first five-plus seasons with the Cardinals (2016-21) ranks third in the NFL during that span and first all-time in franchise history. A four-time Pro-Bowl selection (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021), he was named to the NFL 2010’s All-Decade Team in April 2020.