Lions: Marvin Jones Jr. Sends Strong Message to Fans After Difficult Career Decision

Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. is putting his NFL career on hold to attend to family matters, per multiple reports on Tuesday, October 24.

The 33-year-old NFL veteran announced on Instagram that he was stepping away from the Detroit Lions, adding that it was not an easy decision to make.

"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," the California native wrote via ESPN.

Jones also added that he had much respect for the Lions organization. And while he may be putting his football career on hold, he sent a strong message to the team.

"To my brothers and coaches, I will be rooting for you every step of the way! This is the year! Go get it!!!" he stated via The Athletic.

As a procedural move, the Lions released Jones. For the current NFL season, he registered 35 yards in six games.

Lions re-arrange roster

The Marvin Jones Jr. release was not the only move that the Lions made on Tuesday. The team announced that they have placed running back Mohamed Ibrahim on the practice squad/ injured list while also signing Jermar Jefferson to the practice squad.

While the signing of Jefferson was made to address the injury of Ibrahim, Lions coach Dan Campbell is expected to tweak his wide receiver lineup as well with Jones' exit.

The Lions are coming off a 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last October 22. They are scheduled to face the Las Vegas Raiders next on October 30.