Ravens legends put out statement on Tony Siragusa’s passing

Former Baltimore Ravens coaches and players reacted to the passing of Super Bowl-winning defensive lineman Tony Siragusa with sadness and fond memories.

The Ravens brotherhood was hit with another tragedy on Wednesday with the death of former defensive lineman Tony Siragusa.

Siragusa passed away at the age of 55 on Wednesday. No details as to the cause of his passing have been released.

Legends who played with and coached Siragusa during his time in Baltimore came together with statements mourning the charismatic lineman.

Statements from Ravens legends on the passing of Tony Siragusa

Ray Lewis, who played with Siragusa from 1997 to 2001:

"“This is a tough one. I love Goose like a brother. From the first day we met, I knew that life was different. I knew he was someone who would change my life forever. He was a one-of-a-kind person who made you feel important and special. You can never replace a man like that.“On the field, he was the ultimate competitor who brought out the best in all of us.“We should never put off tomorrow for what we can do today. Hug your loved ones for Goose. We were all so blessed that God gave us that time together celebrating our 2000 team a few weeks ago.“To the Siragusa family: We have lost a great man, but God has gained a great angel. May they be blessed, held and comforted by the peace he brought to everyone who encountered him.”"

Rod Woodson, who played with Siragusa from 1998 to 2001:

"“Tony was always the life of the party. I know he loved his family and friends. My feelings are overwhelmed right now with grief for his family.”Brian Billick, who was Siragusa’s head coach from 1999 to 2001:“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. 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.”"

Marvin Lewis, who was Siragusa’s defensive coordinator from 1997 to 2001:

"“First of all, my deepest condolences to Tony’s family. With Tony as a friend and teammate, you needed no other. He played and lived life to the fullest. He always reminded me to ‘have fun.’ This is a very sad day.”"

Jamal Lewis, who played with Siragusa in 2000 and 2001:

"“Goose was one of the most humble and funniest guys I knew. I can remember his locker being next to mine on gameday. He was never bothered and enjoyed life. While I had butterflies in my stomach, he was cracking jokes and pumping me up at the same time. Glad we got a chance to be together one last time for the Super Bowl XXXV celebration. He will be truly missed.”"

Sam Adams, who played alongside Siragusa on the defensive line in 2000 and 2001:

"“It was an honor and a privilege to line up next to Tony Siragusa. He made the game fun and was a true competitor. Our D-line room was special on and off the field. May he rest easy, and may God bless and keep his family.”"

Matt Stover, who played with Siragusa from 1997 to 2001:

"“I am sorry to lose such a great teammate and friend. I truly believe that the Super Bowl XXXV team would have never been as good as it was without Tony. He not only plugged up the middle, but his locker room presence created a loose environment when things were tight. He will be missed, but not forgotten.”"

Rex Ryan, who was Siragusa’s defensive line coach from 1999 to 2001:

"“Tony was one of the best people I have ever met. I had the absolute pleasure of coaching Tony for several years. I love Tony. It was impossible to have a bad day around him – a great player, great teammate, great father, husband and friend. Tony and I were trying to get our Super Bowl [XXXV] D-line together in July at my house. We always stayed in touch and were close for years. Tony did more for teammates and friends than you will ever know – like the time he took presents [for his children] from under his Christmas tree to give to a teammate’s family who had terrible fire that burned down their place.“I remember having a meeting with my [defensive line] guys and asking everybody what they were going to do with their playoff bonuses. After all my guys spoke, Goose asked me what I was going to do. I said I was going to finish out my basement and buy a big screen TV. After we won the Super Bowl a couple weeks later, Goose drove down from New Jersey and parked outside in my driveway. He had a brand new big screen TV in the bed of his truck. He said, ‘Here is your TV for the basement.’ In typical Goose fashion, he said it fell off a truck.“My son is in his sixth season coaching in the NFL. I hope one day he can coach a man like Tony Siragusa.”"

Siragusa spent seven years with the Colts before joining the Ravens in 1997. He started 70 games over his five seasons in Baltimore. He was a critical member of the outstanding 2000 defense which achieved Super Bowl glory.

He retired from football in 2001 and went on to a long broadcast career.

The Ravens were already mourning the death of 26-year-old linebacker Jaylon Ferguson on Tuesday night when news of Siragusa’s passing broke. The community will have to come together to remember what Siragusa accomplished and lament what Ferguson never got the chance to do.