Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson dies at 26
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Jaylon Ferguson, who set an FBS record for career sacks at Louisiana Tech and then played the last three NFL seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, has died. He was 26 years old.
Police said Wednesday the cause of death remains to be determined.
"On June 21, 2022, at approximately 11:25 p.m., Northern District Patrol officers responded to a home in the 400 block of Ilchester Avenue for a questionable death report," Baltimore police said. "Once there, officers located Jaylon Ferguson, 26, unresponsive, being treated by medics. Ferguson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead at the scene by doctors. No signs of trauma were found or foul play was suspected at this time.
Ferguson, nicknamed "Sack Daddy," was drafted by the Ravens in the third round in 2019 and has played his entire professional career with them. He appeared in 38 games and had 4 1/2 sacks.
"Jaylon was a sweet and generous person who loved his family and his team. It was a joy to talk to him and be with him every day," Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. "You always wanted to see and talk to 'Ferg.' Our prayers and help go out to his family.
Born on December 14, 1995, in St. Francisville, Louisiana, Ferguson played high school football and basketball in West Feliciana. At Louisiana Tech, his 45 sacks were a better that another Ravens linebacker, Terrell Suggs, made at Arizona State.
Ferguson was a third-team AP All-American in 2018.
"The LA Tech family mourns the tragic news this morning of the sudden death of former Bulldog great, Jaylon Ferguson," the Louisiana Tech Football Program tweeted. "We will remember his God-given talents on the pitch and his infectious personality off it. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. »
Ferguson made nine starts as a rookie for the Ravens in 2019, and he also started the team's only playoff game that season. The linebacker spent time on the COVID-19 list early last season, but ended up appearing in 10 games.
"Me and 'Ferg' went through some of the same struggles when it came to making a name for ourselves in the league," linebacker Tyus Bowser said. "From there, we were able to gain an understanding and help each other build and grow as players. From the playbook to the field – and even outside of work – we have created a strong bond between us. Whether I had a bad day or the other way around, we encouraged each other, and that's what I appreciated the most and what I will miss about him.
The Ravens wrapped up minicamp last week and are out until training camp. Wednesday was a tragic day for the franchise, with news that Ferguson and former defensive tackle Tony Siragusa was dead.
"'J Ferg' had the most genuine energy I know," said security Tony Jefferson. "Before he left after minicamp in the locker room, he expressed how ready he was for a great year and I thought it would be his best season as a Raven. He will watch over us, I know, and he will bring the right team closer to his mark that he left.
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