Marvin Jones Jr., Detroit Lions catcher, announces the death of his little son, Marlo

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Marvin Jones Jr.'s youngest son, Marlo, died Friday, said Detroit Lions wide receiver.

(CNN) - Marlo, the little son of the Detroit Lions wide receiver, Marvin Jones Jr., died suddenly on Friday, the NFL player on Instagram said.

"Yesterday the Lord took a piece of my family's heart, Marlo," Jones said in a post on Saturday night. “It's hard to believe that our little angel, our fighter from day one, our son 'Marlito' unfortunately passed away and is no longer here with us.

“Marlo, the joy you brought us every day, with that smile and that energy was like heaven on earth. You will always be in our hearts. Will always remember you. We did not have the opportunity to hear your first words (they would also have been in Spanish). We couldn't see you running with your brothers and sisters, you ran with them with your eyes every day.

View this post on Instagram

Yesterday the Lord called home a piece of my family's heart, Marlo. It is hard to believe that our little angel, our fighter from day one, our are “Marlito” has unfortunately passed away and is no longer here with us. Marlo, the joy that you brought to us everyday, with that smile, and that energy was like heaven on earth. You will always be in our hearts. We will always remember you. We did not get the chance to hear your first words (It would've been in Spanish too) ☺️. We didn't get to see you run with your brothers and sister, you ran with them with your eyes everyday. We know that everything that We do from here on out will be with you. Every step we take, you will be with us. Whenever we have a bad day, We will think of your smile. We miss you already buddy and will forever love you. Rest peacefully our sweet baby boy. You have earned your wings 👼🏽👼🏽

A post shared by Marvin Jones Jr (@marvinjonesjr) on Dec 28, 2019 at 3:41 pm PST

“We know that everything we do from now on will be with you. Every step we take, you will be with us. When we have a bad day, we will think about your smile. We already miss you friend and we will love you forever. Rest in peace our sweet baby. You have earned your wings. ”

Jones, a 29-year-old receiver in his eighth year in the NFL, often posts about his wife Jazmyn and their five children on Instagram. In July, he published that he showed his children greeting baby Marlo after his birth. The family shared a Christmas video just a few days ago.

In October, Jones partnered with Pampers to help install 5,000 tables to change diapers in US public restrooms. UU. and Canada by 2021, and Thanksgiving, he and his children read heartfelt letters during a segment on Fox.

The Lions said in a statement Saturday night that they were informed about Marlo's sudden death.

“The Detroit Lions fully support Marvin and Jazmyn during this extremely difficult time. Marvin and Jazmyn embody the true meaning of the family and their example has inspired them for many in our community. We thank everyone for the support, ”said the team.

This year, Jones played in nine games for the Lions before an ankle injury in December ended his season. He had 62 catches for 779 yards and nine touchdowns this season, including a four-touchdowns game against the Minnesota Vikings in October.

Kevin Dotson of CNN contributed to this report.

NFL