Tony Siragusa, former NFL player and sideline reporter, dies at age fifty five - CBS news

Tony Siragusa, the charismatic protective address who helped lead a stout Baltimore protection to an excellent Bowl title, has died. He become 55.

The Baltimore Ravens, for which Siragusa played 5 seasons, spoke of Siragusa died "abruptly" Wednesday morning. A cause of dying become now not immediately given.

Tony Siragusa as a sideline reporter an NFL matchup between the brand new Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 5, 2006. Al Messerschmidt / Getty pictures

"here's a very sad day," Siragusa's broadcast agent, Jim Ornstein, informed The associated Press. "Tony changed into means greater than my customer, he become household. My heart goes out to Tony's household."

Siragusa, known as "the Goose," played seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and five with the Ravens. Baltimore's 2000 crew won the super Bowl behind a defense that protected Siragusa, Ray Lewis and Sam Adams.

"this is a tricky one. i like Goose like a brother," Lewis observed Wednesday in a press release, adding, "He turned into a one-of-a-variety grownup who made you consider vital and special. which you could by no means exchange a person like that."

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted: "The Goose squeezed 200 fun loving years into fifty five!! He turned into one of the vital bodily strongest gamers I even have ever seen in 50 years In Greece, they'd ask 1 question on the conclusion of 1's lifestyles; Did He Have ardour? In Tony's case..yes He Did!!"

Siragusa was prevalent with enthusiasts as a result of his enjoyable-loving personality, which additionally helped him transition rapidly to broadcasting after his taking part in profession.

Siragusa got here to Baltimore as a free agent in 1997 and teamed up with Adams to kind an imposing defensive tackle tandem. within the Ravens' 2000 championship season, the 6-foot-3, 340-pound Siragusa was sixth among Baltimore defenders with 75 tackles.

"It became an honor and a privilege to line up next to Tony Siragusa," Adams noted in an announcement following news of Siragusa's death. "He made the online game fun and was a true competitor. Our D-line room turned into special on and off the container. may he rest effortless, and may God bless and maintain his family."  

Siragusa accomplished his profession with 22 sacks.

The information of Siragusa's loss of life got here on what became already a tragic day for the Ravens. The loss of life of Jaylon Ferguson, a linebacker for Baltimore, at age 26 turned into announced past in the day.

"here's a extremely sad day for the Baltimore Ravens," proprietor Steve Bisciotti stated. "We admire every person who has expressed an outpouring of help for our players, coaches and workforce."

Siragusa become a celeb soccer participant and wrestler at David Brearley excessive college in New Jersey. He then performed collegiately at Pittsburgh, the place he had a attractiveness for wisecracks well before his NFL career.

"If i needed to gain knowledge of a school song, i would've gone to Notre Dame or Penn State," he as soon as said. "I want to kill people on the soccer container. that is why I got here to Pitt."

Siragusa went undrafted earlier than signing with Indianapolis, however he turned out to be a championship-winning drive in the NFL. Then he took his personality to the airwaves, working for Fox's NFL coverage.

"His incomparable ardour for football established him as one of the most charismatic personalities ever to set foot on the gridiron or in entrance of a digicam," Fox activities spoke of in an announcement. "Goose became a natural in his capability to relate the activity and its players to lovers in every single place."

Siragusa additionally had a task on HBO's "The Sopranos" and hosted shows on the invention Channel and DIY network.

"Tony basically was larger than existence, on and off the field," said Pat Narduzzi, Pitt's existing football teach. "He performed the online game passionately and relentlessly. regardless of no longer being drafted, he thrived within the NFL for 12 years. His put up-soccer lifestyles took him so many places however he under no circumstances forgot Pitt. We might all the time count number on him to send the most fulfilling recorded pep talks to our guys before our greatest games."

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