In a surprising move, the Detroit Lions have released wide receiver Marvin Jones after he announced his decision to step away from football to address personal family matters. The 33-year-old veteran, who had just returned to Detroit for a second stint with the team in April, made the announcement on social media.

Jones did not join the Lions for their Week 7 matchup against the Ravens and was deactivated due to undisclosed personal reasons. Shortly after his announcement, the team confirmed his release, marking the end of his tenure with the Lions.

Expressing his gratitude towards the Ford family, the city of Detroit, his teammates, and coaches, Jones stated that he had to prioritize his family and could not be the player and person he needed to be for the team while tending to personal matters from afar. He also praised the organization for their continuous love and support over the years.

Lions coach Dan Campbell addressed Jones' absence, mentioning that he didn't consider it to be related to anything "serious." However, he refrained from providing further details on Jones' future with the team.

Originally drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2012 as a fifth-round pick, Jones spent four years with the team before joining the Lions in free agency in 2016 on a $40 million deal. During his time with the Lions, he achieved career-high performances, notably in 2017 when he recorded 61 catches for 1,101 yards and nine touchdowns. Jones returned to Detroit this year after a two-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, signing a one-year, $3 million contract in April. Unfortunately, he struggled to make an impact on the field, managing only five catches for 35 yards on 10 targets during Detroit's impressive 5-1 start to the season.

With Jones' departure, the Lions will now rely on their remaining wide receivers to fill the void. The team will undoubtedly miss Jones' experience and contributions to the offense, but they remain determined to continue their strong season.

As Jones steps away from football for personal reasons, the Lions organization and fans alike extend their support and well wishes to him and his family during this time.