The cause of Siragusa’s death was not immediately known. Lovingly known as “Goose”, Siragusa served as a vital cog in the middle of the historic Baltimore Ravens defense in 2000, which topped the franchise’s first Super Bowl title that season. He began his 12-year career drinking the $ 1,000 signature bonus as a free agent without a pension and left the game as one of the only personalities known for his unwavering sense of humor and unforgettable pranks. “There was no one like Goose – a warrior on the field and a unifying team with a generous, generous heart who helped teammates and the community more than most people know,” said former Ravens coach Brian Billick. “We would not have won the Super Bowl without him. This is so amazing, sad news and our hearts are with Kathy and the Syracuse family.” Before joining the Ravens as a free agent in 1997, Siragusa spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Colts owner Jim Irsay wrote on Twitter that “his heart is broken like the rest of the Colts Nation.” Irsay added in a subsequent tweet that, “Goose crammed 200 fun favorite years into 55!” The Goose tightened 200 fun favorite years to 55 !! He was one of the strongest players I have ever seen in 50 years 💪🏼🏈 In Greece, they would ask 1 question at the end of someone’s life. Did he have passion? In the case of Tony..Yes He Did !! 💪🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️ – Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) June 22, 2022 Known as a blue-collar runner, Siragusa was enjoying his greatest moment when he hit the general. At the 2000 AFC Championship Game, Siragusa knocked out Oakland Raiders general Rich Gannon, driving the All-Pro on the turf and splitting his left shoulder. The Ravens beat the Raiders, 16-3, to advance to the Super Bowl. “I saw Rich’s eyes turn back,” Syracuse said at the time. “He took every pound from my fat ass on it.” As much as Siragusa enjoyed the spotlight off the field, he was comfortable doing the dirty work for one of the NFL’s top defenders, even though it led to countless knee surgeries and no Pro Bowl invitations. A 6-foot, 340-pound wall in the middle, Siragusa occupied double teams to allow center-back Ray Lewis to roam freely and helped Baltimore set a league record for the fewest points (165) and crazy yards (970) at 16. – racing season. “This is difficult,” Lewis said. “I love Goose as a brother. From the first day we met, I knew life was different. I knew he was someone who would change my life forever. He was a unique person who made you feel important and special. You can never to replace a man like him “. Said Matt Stover: “I really believe the Super Bowl XXXV team would never be as good as they were without Tony. Not only did he catch the middle, but his presence in the locker room created a relaxed environment when things were tight. it will be missed, but it will not be forgotten. “ Teammates will remember Siragusa for his infamous practical jokes. Tony Siragusa played 12 NFL seasons with the Colts and Ravens and won a Super Bowl with Baltimore. Jamie Squire / Allsport There was a time when some of the younger players were making a large container of cocoa in the training room and Siragusa saw an opportunity to put it in with laxative before training. Siragusa laughed as the players ran off the pitch. “They say there is a person like you everywhere, but I think God made a goose with that personality,” said former Ravens defensive tackle Larry Webster. In the first “Hard Knocks”, Siragusa gave one of the highlights when he narrowed the narrow edges in their meeting room with a table. Sharp famously said he wanted “rehabilitation” and stole Syracuse’s truck to apologize. Siragusa’s commitment to his team was evident in 2000, when he was blocked, fell to the ground and could not feel part of his body. His mother ran down the platforms and his older brothers ran to the locker room where a golf cart had moved the motionless man. “Under my head, I could not move,” Siragusa later recalled. “It was the scariest thing that ever happened to me in my life.” The medical staff told Siragusa that he should at least have an MRI scan to make sure there was no damage to the spine. He had a bruised spine and was advised not to return. But he did not listen to this advice. Syracuse said:[Defensive line] Coach Rex Ryan came up to me and said, “You have a family. “Do not go back out there.” I said, “You are my family too. I must do that”. “ After his retirement, Siragusa was a minor analyst for Fox Sports from 2003 to 2015. He also had some acting roles, appearing in “The Sopranos” and Spike Lee’s “25th Hour”. “This is a really sad day,” Siragusa’s agent Jim Ornstein told the Associated Press. “Tony was much more than my client, he was a family. “My heart goes out to Tony’s loved ones.” The death of Siragusa continued a sad day for the Ravens, who announced the death of foreign defender Jaylon Ferguson earlier in the day. He was 26 years old. “This is a very sad day for the Baltimore Ravens,” said Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti. “We thank all those who expressed an outpouring of support for our players, coaches and staff.”
