Former Ravens and Colts defensive tackle Tony Siragusa, who worked as a broadcaster for an extended period after his playing career ended, died in his sleep, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (on Twitter). Siragusa was 55.
Prior to his lengthy career as a FOX sideline reporter, the gregarious NFL presence played 12 seasons. Siragusa’s playing career is best remembered for his role on the 2000 Ravens’ defense, which led the franchise on a dominant run to its first Super Bowl title.
“There was no one like Goose — a warrior on the field and a team unifier with a giving, generous heart who helped teammates and the community more than most people know,” former Ravens head coach Brian Billick said, via Wilson. “We would not have won the Super Bowl without him. This is such stunning, sad news, and our hearts go out to Kathy and the Siragusa family.”
Colts owner Jim Irsay confirmed Siragusa’s death Wednesday. The Colts brought Siragusa into the league as an undrafted free agent in 1990, doing so back when the draft was a 12-round event. Despite going unselected that year, the Pitt product soon became a constant for Indianapolis up front. Siragusa played seven seasons with the Colts, signing a second contract to stay in 1993, and was part of a defense that helped the 1995 team make an improbable run to the AFC championship game.
The Ravens signed Siragusa to a four-year deal worth $6.1MM in 1997. He later teamed with fellow mammoth D-tackle Sam Adams on the Ravens’ historically elite 2000 defense. Siragusa started 19 games, including all four postseason contests, for that famed Baltimore team. Its defense did not allow a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV, a 34-7 win over the Giants. Though known more for his size and personality, Siragusa finished his career with 22 sacks and made 148 starts.
Following that 2000 season, “Goose” became a memorable part of HBO’s initial Hard Knocks effort. That provided a springboard to the NFL vet’s broadcasting run, which began shortly after his 2002 retirement.
55…terrible news.
RIP.
One of my favorite players turned sportscasters. Had a fun perspective to players and the game not seen by many.
So effing funny
Way too young. I remember loving his character in the Edward Norton movie 25th Hour. RIP Goose.
It is indeed. Yet quite unfortunately, his age isn’t that much younger than the average life expectancy of former NFL players.
They work their butt off to achieve greatness and to be a great teammate, but part of being an NFL player. A roughly 15-20% lower life expectancy than most Americans.
But he achieved more than most in this world and provided very well for his loved ones.
RIP goose… so sudden. Such a shame.
A Favorite guy/player of mine ……He WILL be missed. R.I.P Tony .
Undrafted? Wow, didn’t know that. What a ball player and personality … one of my all time favorite Ravens. Prayers. Condolences.
I always wonder what happen to him rip. Love watching games with him doing side line reporting
Wonderful work on the Sopranos too. Whatever he did he was great at
I remember him all the way back to his days at Pitt. Huge respect for him even as a Ravens player, he was always a thorn in the side of my Steelers. And solidly competent and sometimes funny on FOX. Way too soon. R.I.P.
Sometime funny? The guy was great. Loved him doing the sidelines they keep trying to get another reporter like him.
RIP one of my fave’s.
Tragic so young. Will never forget his personality or play. Rip goose
As a young colts fan in the 90’s, I absolutely loved the Goose. Great man, sideline reported and player.
Hate to be the bad news bear. I feel for Tony and his family I honestly do, very young at just 55 to pass. It does appear so far that he did not suffer.
Tony was a very dirty player that would admit it. His illegal hit on Rich Gannon to go to the Super Bowl was so illegal that the NFL doesn’t even show the play. It was late, he threw all “342lbs” on him, and threw a punch.
I loved the “Goose”. My most memorable moment of him was when NFL films caught him talking to one of the refs and he said, “Hey, I’ve been staying in shape. Eating Right. Take a look at my ass.” And he turned around to show the ref his ass. The ref said, “Looking good, Tony.” Without ever looking at him. Good stuff!!