Former NFL superstar and Fox Sports sideline analyst Tony Siragusa, known as “The Goose,” has died, Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti confirmed Wednesday via the team’s official Twitter account. He was 55.
Siragusa played in the NFL for 12 years. His professional career began in 1990, when he was picked up as a free agent rookie by the Indianapolis Colts. After becoming a full player in 1992, he eventually moved on to the Baltimore Ravens in 1997. He would go on to play a key role in the team that won Super Bowl XXXV, defeating the New York Giants 34-7.
Siragusa finished his career with 404 tackles, 22 sacks and five forced fumbles.
Following his retirement in 2001, Siragusa served as a sideline reporter and analyst with Fox Sports for another 12 years. Additionally, he co-hosted the DIY Network home renovation show “Man Caves” with contractor Jason Cameron for 12 seasons.
Though no cause of death was revealed, Bisciotti wrote that he was “stunned and heartbroken” about Siragusa’s “sudden passing.”
“He was a special person and clearly one of the most popular players in Ravens history,” the statement continued. “Tony’s larger-than-life personality made an enormous impact on our organization and throughout the Baltimore community. On the football field, Goose was a difference-maker who contributed immeasurably to the success of many great Ravens defenses, including the record-setting 2000 Super Bowl team.”
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay also tweeted about his passing, writing, “The Goose squeezed 200 fun loving years into 55!!” he wrote. “He was one of the most physically strongest players I have ever seen in 50 years.”
Born in 1967 in Kenilworth, New Jersey, Siragusa wrestled and played football in high school before playing at the University of Pittsburgh for head coach Mike Gottfried. He is survived by his wife Kathy Giacalone, whom he married in 1995, and children Samantha Rose, Ava and Anthony Siragusa.
Many former teammates, players and admirers shared their memories of Siragusa on social media. Longtime Ravens broadcaster Gerry Sandusky called Siragusa “a legend who brought so joy and impact to the field” and said that his death was “tough to wrap your head around.”
Read below for more tributes.
