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NFL world in shock after Baltimore Ravens hit by double tragedy

Gerard Laws
·Sports Reporter
·4-min read
Tony Siragusa and Jaylon Ferguson, pictured here in the NFL.
The Baltimore Ravens have been rocked by the deaths of Tony Siragusa and Jaylon Ferguson. Image: Getty

The Baltimore Ravens NFL organisation has been left reeling following the tragic deaths of rising star Jaylen Ferguson and club legend Tony Siragusa less than 24 hours apart.

Ferguson, an outside linebacker with the nickname ‘Sack Daddy’, was found unresponsive at a home in North Baltimore late on Tuesday evening, where he was pronounced dead by medics, according to Baltimore Police.

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The 26-year-old’s cause of death is yet to be determined, although a police spokesperson said there were no signs trauma or foul play.

The shock and sadness surrounding Ferguson’s death was devastatingly compounded by the passing of former Raven Tony Siragussa on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old’s cause of death is not yet known.

The Ravens shared tributes for both men on social media, which were retweeted by a swathe of current and former players.

Ferguson was drafted by the Ravens in 2019, making 38 NFL appearances including 10 starts.

He recorded 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks during his time in Baltimore.

Ferguson had reportedly shed a significant amount of weight in preparation for the upcoming NFL campaign, with Ravens safety Tony Jefferson revealing he was determined to have his best season yet.

“'J Ferg' had the most genuine energy I've ever been around,” Jefferson said.

“Before I left after minicamp in the locker room, he expressed how he was ready to have a big year, and I believed it was going to be his best season as a Raven.

“He will be watching over us, I know it, and he will bring the team closer just from his mark he left. He will definitely be missed.”

Jaylon Ferguson, pictured here in action for the Baltimore Ravens in 2021.
Jaylon Ferguson in action for the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

NFL world in disbelief over double tragedy

Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh said the loss of Ferguson would leave a significant hole in the Ravens locker room.

“Jaylon was a good-hearted, gentle person who loved his family and his team,” Harbaugh said.

“He was a joy to talk with and be around every day. You always wanted to see and talk to 'Ferg'.

"Our prayers and our help go to his family. Our hearts are with his Spirit. R.I.P., Jaylon.”

Siragusa, also known as ‘Goose’, was a defensive tackle who played a vital role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XXXV triumph in 2001.

Tony Siragusa, pictured here interviewing Brian Hoyer after an NFL game in 2014.
Tony Siragusa interviews Brian Hoyer after an NFL game in 2014. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) (Diamond Images via Getty Images)

MVP of that encounter, Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis, paid tribute to Siragusa in a statement released to the media.

“This is a tough one," Lewis said.

“I love Goose like a brother. From the first day we met, I knew that life was different. I knew he was someone who would change my life forever.

"He was a one-of-a-kind person who made you feel important and special. You can never replace a man like that.”

Siragusa played seven NFL seasons in Baltimore and was known for his outgoing personality, which won him the adoration of the Ravens faithful along with his grit shown on the field.

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