Tony Siragusa, the NFL defender who has become one of the greatest players and personalities in the game, died on Wednesday at the age of 55.
The cause of Siragus’ death was not immediately known.
Gently known as the Goose, Siragusa served as a vital sprocket in the midst of Baltimore Ravens’ historic 2000 defense, which topped the franchise’s first Super Bowl title that season. He began his 12-year career by drinking his $ 1,000 signing bonus as a non-drafted free agent and left the game as one of the unique personalities known for his disrespectful sense of humor and memorable jokes.
“There was no one like Goose – a warrior on the field and a teammate with a donating, generous heart who helped teammates and the community more than most people know,” said former Ravens coach Brian Bilick. “We wouldn’t have won the Super Bowl without him. This is such stunning, sad news, and our hearts rejoice over Cathy and the Syragus family. “
Before joining Ravens as a free agent in 1997, Siragusa spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Colts owner Jim Irsey wrote on Twitter that he was “with a broken heart, like the whole Colts Nation.” Irsey added in a follow-up tweet that “The Goose Squeezed 200 Years of Fun Love at 55!”
The goose squeezed 200 years of fun love at 55 !! He was one of the strongest physical players I’ve seen in 50 years 💪🏼🏈 In Greece, they asked 1 question at the end of their lives; Did he have a passion? In Tony’s case … Yes, he did !! 💪🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼❤️
– Jim Jrsay (@JimIrsay) June 22, 2022
Known as blue-collar workers, Siragusa was glad that his greatest moment came when he was hit by a quarterback. In the 2000 AFC Championship game, Siragusa pulled out Auckland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, killing the All-Pro in the grass and separating his left shoulder. Ravens went on to beat the Raiders 16-3 to qualify for the Super Bowl.
“I saw Rich’s eyes roll back,” Siragusa said at the time. “He grabbed every pound of my fat ass.”
As much as Siragus liked the spotlight off the field, he felt comfortable doing the dirty work for one of the NFL’s best defenses, even though it led to countless knee surgeries and no Pro Bowl invitations. A wall of 6 feet 3 and 340 pounds in the middle, Siragus occupied double teams to allow midfielder Ray Lewis to move freely and helped Baltimore set league records for the fewest points (165) and hurried yards (970 ) in the 16 – game season.
“It’s hard,” 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 the only person of his kind who made you feel important and special. You can never replace such a man. “
Matt Stover said: “I really believe that the Super Bowl XXXV team would never be as good as it was without Tony. He not only got involved in the middle, but his presence in the locker room created a free environment when things were tense. He will be missed but not forgotten. “
The teammates will remember Siragus with his famous practical jokes.
Tony Siragusa played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Colts and Ravens and won the Super Bowl with Baltimore. Jamie Squire / Olsport
There was a time when some of the younger players made a big pot of cocoa in the gym and Siragus saw an opportunity to add a laxative before training. Siragusa laughed as the players rushed off the field.
“They say there’s a man like you everywhere, but I believe God created a goose with that person,” said Larry Webster, a former Raven Defender.
In the first “Hard Knocks”, Siragus presented one of the best moments when he barricaded the narrow edges in their boardroom with a table. Sharpe says he wants “restitution” and stole Siragus’ truck to apologize.
Siragus’ 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 came down from the stands, and his older brothers rushed to the locker room, where the golf cart had moved the motionless big man.
“I couldn’t move from head to toe,” Syragusa later recalled. “It was the scariest thing that ever happened to me.”
The medical staff told Siragus that he needed to do at least an MRI to make sure there was no damage to his spine. He had a bruised spine and was advised not to return. But he did not listen to this advice.
Siragusa said: “[Defensive line] Coach Rex Ryan came to me and said, “You have a family. Don’t go back there. I said, “And you are my family. I have to do this. “
After retiring, Siragusa was a side analyst for Fox Sports from 2003 to 2015. He also had some acting roles, appearing in The Sopranos and Spike Lee’s 25 Hours.
“This is a really sad day,” Syragus agent Jim Ornstein told the Associated Press. “Tony was much more than my client, he was a family. My heart is with Tony’s loved ones. “
Syragus’ death continued a sad day for the Ravens, who announced the death of outside midfielder Ceylan Ferguson earlier in the day. He was 26 years old.
“This is an extremely sad day for the Baltimore Ravens,” said Ravens owner Steve Bischotti. “We appreciate everyone who expressed support for our players, coaches and staff.”
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