Tony Siragusa, NJ native and former Baltimore Ravens star, dies at 55
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Super Bowl champion Tony Siragusa, nicknamed "Goose," died Wednesday at age 55, the Baltimore Ravens announced on Twitter.
Siragusa grew up in Kenilworth, New Jersey and played football at Brearley High School, where he played defensive line and was also the team's kicker and punter. He also won a state high school heavyweight wrestling title in 1985. He was inducted into the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Hall of Fame back in March.
Siragusa went on to play college football at Pittsburgh and went undrafted before putting together a 12-year NFL career as a defensive tackle with the Indianapolis Colts and Baltimore Ravens. He compiled 562 tackles, 22 sacks and nine fumble recoveries.
Siragusa was perhaps best known for his role as a starter on the dominant 2000 Ravens team that beat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. His hometown held a parade for the local hero after that win.
The Ravens announcement of his death included a statement from owner Steve Bisciotti.
This is a tremendously sad day for the Baltimore Ravens. pic.twitter.com/dbXDb5Ns76
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 22, 2022
After his NFL career, Siragusa became a sideline reporter and analyst on FOX NFL broadcasts. He also appeared in four episodes of the hit TV series The Sopranos as Frankie Cortese, a driver and bodyguard for Tony Soprano.
Siragusa's death leaked out several hours after the Ravens announced the death of 26-year-old defensive end Jaylen Ferguson.
Saddened by the passing of NFL legend and New Jersey’s own Tony “Goose” Siragusa. He was a wrestling state champion in New Jersey before he led the @Ravens to victory at the 2001 Super Bowl. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and many fans.https://t.co/0tWaYptqcV
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 23, 2022
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Tony Siragusa: Baltimore Ravens star, NJ native dies