Beloved former NFL great and longtime Fox Sports sideline reporter Tony Siragusa has died, according to a report that shocked Baltimore Ravens fans already reeling from the announcement earlier in the day of the death of a current team member.
Siragusa, the garrulous former defensive tackle who weighed 340 pounds in his playing days, helped the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory in 2001. No cause of death was released, and word that he had died came first from longtime teammate and pal Jamal Lewis.
“It’s a sad day to be a Raven I must say,” Lewis, the ex-running back said on Wednesday.
NFL legend Tony Siragusa has died at 55 years old, his former Baltimore Ravens teammate, Jamal Lewis, confirmed to TMZ Sports. https://t.co/JRGbzZRfKs
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 22, 2022
Siragusa, 55, who was known affectionately as “Goose,” also hosted a television show on the DIY network called “Man Caves.” His death came on the same day the Ravens announced the unexpected passing of linebacker Jaylon Ferguson.
Siragusa, who played college ball at University of Pittsburgh, began his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 1990 and became a starter two years later. He signed with Baltimore in 1997, just after the team had moved from Cleveland.
The tackle was a cornerstone in formidable Ravens defense that also included future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Rod Woodson.
Siragusa retired following the 2001 season and had a second act in the game as a funny and informative sideline reporter for Fox.
Ravens fans took to Twitter to share their affection for Siragusa.
“RIP Tony Siragusa,” wrote Stavros Halkias. “I was in 6th grade when the Ravens won their first Super Bowl and I can’t tell you how much he meant to me as a fat loudmouthed Mediterranean child growing up in Baltimore. Rest easy, Goose”
“This is one of the saddest days in Ravens history,” wrote Ravens broadcaster Gerry Sandusky. “The deaths of Jaylen Ferguson and Tony Siragusa on the same day leaves every Ravens fan stunned. A player so young with potential, and a legend who brought so joy and impact to the field. Gone. Tough to wrap your head around.”
Earlier in the day, the team announced the death of Ferguson, who had been expected to play a key role on the team in the upcoming season.
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the team’s Twitter account announced. “He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon,” the statement added.