Baltimore linebacker Jaylon Ferguson dies as NFL horror year continues

Baltimore Ravens lineback Jaylon Ferguson has died at the age of 26.

Ferguson, nicknamed “Sack Daddy”, played three NFL seasons, all with Baltimore. He set a record for career dismissals in the college Football Bowl Subdivision (45) when he played for Louisiana Tech.

Police said the cause of death had not yet been determined.

“On June 21, 2022, at about 11:25 p.m., Northern District patrol officers responded to a house at 400 block on Ilchester Avenue for a suspicious death report,” Baltimore Police said.

“It was there that police located 26-year-old Ceylon Ferguson, who was not responding, being treated by doctors. Ferguson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene by doctors. No signs of injury or toy were found. the moment.”

Ferguson was selected by the Ravens in the third round in 2019 and played in 38 games as a professional with 4 1/2 dismissals.

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“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ceylon Ferguson,” the Ravens said in a statement.

“He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and an infectious personality. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost very soon.”

Born on December 14, 1995, in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Ferguson played high school football and basketball in West Feliciana.

At Louisiana Tech, his 45 dismissals were better than another Ravens midfielder, Terrell Suggs, who scored in Arizona State.

Ferguson was third in the AP All-American team in 2018.

“The LA Tech family mourns the tragic news this morning of the sudden death of former great bulldog Ceylon Ferguson,” the Louisiana Tech football program wrote on Twitter.

“We will remember his God-given talents on the pitch and his infectious personality outside. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

Ferguson’s death continues a year of tragedy for the NFL.

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jeff Gladney died in a car crash in June, while former Marion Barber supporter died two days later at the age of 38.

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Steelers General Dwayne Haskins was killed in April when he was struck by a truck that had derailed after running out of gas.

In December last year, broadcaster champion Demaryius Thomas died of a seizure.

Tragedy day for the Baltimore family

Ferguson’s death came as news that Tony Siragusa, the charismatic defensive tackle that helped lead a strong Baltimore defense to the Super Bowl title, had also died. He was 55.

Siragusa broadcast agent Jim Ornstein confirmed the death on Wednesday. The cause of death was not immediately known.

“This is a really sad day,” he said.

“Tony was so much more than my client, he was family. My heart is with Tony’s loved ones.”

Siragusa, known as “Goose”, played seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and five with the Ravens. The Baltimore team won the Super Bowl in 2000 behind a defense that included Siragusa, Ray Lewis and Sam Adams.

Siragusa was popular with fans because of his amusing personality, which also helped him move quickly into the broadcast after his career as a player.

“There was no one like Goose – a warrior on the field and a unifying team with a generous heart who helped teammates and the community more than most people know,” said Brian Billick, the coach of this team that won the Super Bowl.

“We would not have won the Super Bowl without him. This is such amazing, sad news.”

AP / ABC