Former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Tony Siragusa passed away on Wednesday. He was 55 years old.
The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Siragusa, affably known as “The Goose”, played 12 years in the NFL, including five seasons in Baltimore. He was a key cog in the Ravens' Super Bowl-winning 2000 squad, starting 15 games. That defense is widely considered one of the greatest in NFL history.
Prior to his time in Baltimore, Siragusa spent seven years with the Colts, putting up a career-high five sacks in 1994.
Ravens owner Steve Biscotti released a statement praising Siragusa, whom he called “one of the most popular players in Ravens history.”
This is a tremendously sad day for the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/dbXDb5Ns76
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 22, 2022
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On the field, Siragusa was a hulking presence on the defensive line, capable of shutting down offense’s running attacks. He was an entertainer, too, gaining national prominence on the HBO show “Hard Knocks”, where he showed off his boisterous personality. He went on to have an impressive broadcasting career, and even appeared on an episode of “The Sopranos.”
Tony Siragusa was the original star of Hard Knocks.
— Kevin Boilard (@KevinBoilard) June 22, 2022
RIP to a legend 🙏 pic.twitter.com/w5SDx2I5m3
RIP Tony Siragusa. 🙏🏻
— Maitland Rutledge (@Maitland__R) June 22, 2022
His back-and-forth pranks with Shannon Sharpe on Hard Knocks were the stuff of legends! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/9KGjFzgHjH
Tony Siragusa’s brief time on the Sopranos at least featured him in a memorable scene from a memorable episode. Terrific NFL player and an excellent Bada Bing security guard. RIP Goose @pityforyourself pic.twitter.com/CRCO3ElAO0
— Jake Elman (@JakeElman97) June 22, 2022
From 2003 to 2015, Siragusa worked as an NFL sideline reporter, as well as an analyst for Fox Sports. After departing Fox, he worked as an NFL commentator for Yahoo Sports.
Tributes to “The Goose” poured in via Twitter, with those across the sports world praising Siragusa for his electric disposition. Former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis told TMZ “it’s a sad day to be a Raven.”
Ray Lewis on the death of Tony Siragusa: “This is a tough one. 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."
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 22, 2022
Well before social media and “building your brand,” Tony Siragusa used Super Bowl XXXV to become a media star. He leveraged his wild persona to become a broadcaster, actor and pitchman. He even landed on The Sopranos. He was so savvy and such a character. RIP Goose. pic.twitter.com/YqUKRDMMY9
— Damon Amendolara (@DAonCBS) June 22, 2022
I’m sick hearing the news of my former teammate Tony Siragusa passing away today. He was the voice of our Ravens teams. He was the guy that made me grow up real quick my first year in the NFL. He was an old school guy that made you earn his respect. GOOSE! Sad day #RavensFlock
— Brandon Stokley (@bstokley14) June 22, 2022
"There was no one like Goose."
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) June 22, 2022
More reaction to Tony Siragusa's passing from Ozzie Newsome, Brian Billick and Marvin Lewis. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vY5sy9VHDq
Did a story on Tony Siragusa back in his NFL playing days. Did the interview at his house, and he cooked us all the most authentic Italian meal you could imagine. If you spent anytime at all around him you know he was 1 of a kind. Rest easy Goose.
— Vince Welch (@vincewelch) June 22, 2022
The Goose squeezed 200 fun loving years into 55!! He was one of the most physically strongest players I have ever seen in 50 years💪🏼🏈 In Greece,they would ask 1 question at the end of one’s life; Did He Have Passion? In Tony’s case..Yes He Did!!💪🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) June 22, 2022
Retired former Ravens defensive tackle Tony Siragusa died in his sleep at age 55. Former Ravens teammate Brad Jackson: 'He was the leader, he was our captain. He meant everything to everyone. It's a sad day. I just talked to him on Sunday. It's terrible.'
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) June 22, 2022
I hated the Ravens. But LOVED Tony Siragusa. He looked and sounded like guys I grew up with. Guys from the neighborhood. What a character. If he had been born 10 years later, he would have made millions in the podcast and digital space. Larger than life. RIP Goose.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) June 22, 2022
Did NFL work for CBS long ago. Was preparing pregame live hit for NFL Today. Extremely nervous, rehearsing my seg over and over. Looked up and there was Tony Siragusa, working the game for Fox. "Can I ask you something man?"
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) June 22, 2022
"Sure"
"Who the f--- are you talking to?"
RIP Goose
Prayers up for the legend Tony Siragusa and his family. “The Goose” has passed away at the age of 55. Heart breaking.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) June 22, 2022
Just spoke to former Ravens DT Sam Adams who was on the Super Bowl winning d-line with Tony Siragusa in 2001:
— Melissa Y. Kim (@melissaykim) June 22, 2022
When people think of playing defensive line, we changed the way people think of us. This was a special man on the field.... (con't)
Devastated. Tony Siragusa was one of the most special, genuine ppl I've ever met. Always honest. Always maintaining perspective & offering levity to every situation. Thx for all the laughs & for being such a dear friend to the Steele family. Brutal day for @ravens @TonySiragusa
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) June 22, 2022
A favorite moment: Tony Siragusa wanting to rip my lungs out at the Super Bowl because I refused to shake his hand - then I explained I couldn’t because he sold out Ed Norton to the Feds in 25th Hour. What followed was an awesome convo about the movie. #RIP 😢
— Full Dissident (@hbryant42) June 22, 2022
The NFL family mourns the loss of the great Tony "Goose" Siragusa. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/pe53Nz24be
— NFL (@NFL) June 22, 2022