Saying that he and his spouse have been “shocked and heartbroken” by the information of Siraguza’s demise, Ravens proprietor Steve Bischotti stated in a press release: “He was a particular man and undoubtedly probably the most in style gamers within the historical past of the Ravens.
“Our deepest prayers and condolences to Katie, their three youngsters and the remainder of Siragus’ household,” Bischotti added. That is a particularly unhappy day for the Baltimore Ravens. We respect everybody who has expressed their help for our gamers, coaches and workers. “
Earlier on Wednesday, the Crows shared the information of the demise of 26-year-old midfielder Jaylon Ferguson. The reason for demise in his case continues to be unknown.
Indianapolis Colts proprietor Jim Irsey, with whose crew Siragus spent the primary seven years within the NFL, confirmed experiences of Siragus’ demise, which started showing on Wednesday afternoon.
“I’ve a damaged coronary heart, like all Colts Nation,” – Irsey tweeted.
Nicknamed the Goose, Siragus gained nationwide fame after leaving the Colts and becoming a member of the Ravens in 1997. He was a key determine within the protection, setting data. which helped the Crows win the XXXV Tremendous Cup in 2000. Discovering herself probably the most attention-grabbing figures through the media day earlier than the Tremendous Bowl, Siragus made a stellar flip just a few months later when Baltimore starred within the first season of HBO’s “Arduous Knocks”.
“There was nobody like Gus, a warrior on the sector and a crew with a devoted, beneficiant coronary heart who helped his teammates and society greater than most individuals know,” stated former Crows coach Brian Billik. “With out him, we’d not have gained the Tremendous Cup.”
Former Ravens defender Jamal Lewis stated on Wednesday that he was glad that he, Siragus and different members of the 2000 championship crew had a “final probability to be collectively” on the celebration of this triumphant crew earlier this yr.
Lengthy earlier than social media and “constructing your model”, Tony Siragus used the XXXV Tremendous Cup to grow to be a media star. He used his wild persona to grow to be a presenter, actor and whore. He even obtained on the Sopranos. He was so sensible and so characterful. RIP the goose. pic.twitter.com/YqUKRDMMY9
– Damon Amendolara (@DAonCBS) June 22, 2022
“Gus was probably the most humble and cheerful guys I’ve ever recognized,” Lewis stated in a press release. “I bear in mind his locker subsequent to mine on recreation day. He by no means fearful and loved life. Whereas I had butterflies in my abdomen, he joked and pumped me on the identical time. … I’ll actually miss him. “
A number of years after ending his profession as a participant after the 2001 season, Siragus was employed as an NFL reporter for Fox Sports activities. He added a slight contact to the position till he and the community parted methods in 2016.
The New Jersey-born Siragus additionally appeared as a minor character on the HBO hit present The Sopranos, and starred in Spike Lee’s 2002 movie The twenty fifth Hour.
Along with starring on his college soccer crew, for which he ran and performed on the line of defense, Siragus was an excellent fighter who gained the New Jersey title in 1985. He continued to play soccer on the College of Pittsburgh as a result of, as he defined (by means of the Panthers), “If I needed to study a college music, I might go to Notre Dame or Penn State.” I wish to kill folks on the soccer area. That is why I got here to Pitt. “
“Tony actually was greater than life, each on and off the sector,” stated Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi. “His post-football life took him so many locations, however he by no means forgot Pitt. We may at all times rely on him to ship one of the best recorded conversations with our guys earlier than our greatest video games. “The Goose leaves an ideal legacy, and will probably be sorely missed.”
Earlier than he grew to become a star @NFL with @Colts and @ Crows…
He used to grow to be a favourite soccer character on tv with @NFLonFOX…
He performed faculty soccer for Pitt, turning into a fan favourite and among the best defenders within the nation.
RIP Tony’s “The Goose” of Siragus. pic.twitter.com/sZgVcVnEEv
– Pitt Soccer (@Pitt_FB) June 22, 2022
Knee accidents have prevented Siraguzi from spending his final two seasons at Pitty, and he was not drafted by the NFL in 1990 earlier than signing with the Colts as a free agent. He performed for Indianapolis and Baltimore for 12 seasons.
“It is a tough choice,” stated former Raven midfielder Ray Lewis, one other member of the crew’s dominant protection in 2000. “I like Gus as a brother. From the primary day of our assembly, I knew that life was completely different. I knew he was the one who would change my life endlessly. He was the one individual of your variety who made you’re feeling necessary and particular. You may by no means exchange such a person. “