Tony Siragusa, the winner of the Super Bowl defensive matches and football TV analyst for Fox Sports, died on Wednesday, the owners of Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens announced. He was 55 years old.
Jim Irsey, the owner of the Colts, confirmed Syragus’ death on Twitter. The cause of death has not yet been announced.
Syragusa, nicknamed the Goose, played in the NFL for 12 seasons, seven of which for the Colts, who acquired him as a non-drafted free agent in 1990. He joined the Baltimore Ravens in 1997 and retired after the 2001 season, one year after playing a key defensive role since the franchise won its first Super Bowl.
“Renee and I are stunned and heartbroken to learn of the sudden death of Tony Siragus,” said Steve Bischotti, owner of Ravens. “He was a special man and obviously one of the most popular players in the history of Ravens. Tony’s older personality has had a huge impact on our organization and the entire Baltimore community. ”
Irsey said on Twitter that Siragusa was funny and “one of the strongest physical players I’ve seen in 50 years.”
Siragusa, known for his impressive 330-pound weight during his playing days, was a key member of the Ravens’ champion team in the 2000 season. – He contributed to one of the NFL’s most feared defenses by devouring blockers to allow star midfielder Ray Lewis, defensive back Rod Woodson, linebacker Sam Adams and others to succeed. This unit set NFL records for the fewest points allowed (165) and yards allowed (970) in the regular season of 16 games.
“On the field, he was the best athlete to bring out the best of us all,” Lewis said in a statement.
The New Jersey-born Syraguza won the state wrestling championship while attending Brairley High School in Kenilworth, where he also plays defensively for the football team. He was also his player and kicker.
He played collegiate football in Pittsburgh and then signed with the Colts as a free agent, starting 78 games in seven seasons.
During the AFC Championship game of the 2000 season, Siragusa escaped a few blocks at the start of the second quarter and nearly fired Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon, who had just thrown the ball before arriving. But Siragusa hit Gannon hard and landed with all his weight on the quarterback, injuring Gannon’s left collarbone. Siragus was later fined, but Gannon’s injury helped Ravens win 16-3 on the road to victory in the Super Bowl over the Giants.
“There was no one like Goose – a field warrior and team unifier with a donating, generous heart who helped teammates and the community more than most people know,” said Brian Bilik, who coached Ravens from a 1998 to 2007 statement. “We wouldn’t have won the Super Bowl without him.
Siragus has been working for Fox Sports since 2003-15. He is survived by his wife Katie and their three children: Samantha, Ava and Anthony Jr.
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