Super Bowl winner and TV personality Tony Siragusa passes away aged 55

Tony Siragusa, a former NFL defensive lineman who became a TV personality, passed away at the age of 55. Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, verified the news. Siragusa completed 7 of his twelve seasons in the league there. Irsay stated that he was “heartbroken, as is the rest of Colts Nation.”

During his playing career, Siragusa, nicknamed “The Goose,” weighed 330 pounds and became a famous figure in Indianapolis owing to his larger-than-life demeanor. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Colts in 1990 before moving on to the Baltimore Ravens in 1997. There he won the Super Bowl in 2000.

After retiring from football, Siragusa became a regular on television. He was a Fox Sports sideline reporter till 2015, and he played Frankie Cortese, Tony Soprano’s bodyguard, and driver, in The Sopranos. He also presented Man Caves, a DIY Network remodeling show.

Tony was married to Kathy, and he had three children. During his career, Siragusa recorded 404 tackles, 22 sacks, and five forced fumbles.  Siragusa is the Ravens’ second player to die this week. Earlier on Wednesday, the club announced the death of 26-year-old linebacker Jaylon Ferguson.

Siragusa, nicknamed “Goose,” was a crucial part of the Baltimore Ravens’ legendary 2000 defense, which led to the franchise’s first Super Bowl triumph the same year. As an undrafted free agent, he began his 12-year profession by partying off his $1,000 signing money. He departed the game as one of the game’s distinct characters, noted for his sarcastic sense of humor and unforgettable pranks.

“There was no one like Goose — a fighter on the field and a team unifier with a caring, kind heart who benefited colleagues and the society more than most people realize,” said former Ravens coach Brian Billick. “Without him, we would not have won the Super Bowl. This is heartbreaking news, and our thoughts are with Kathy and the Siragusa family.”

Tony Siragusa played the first 7 years of his journey with the Indianapolis Colts before signing as a free agent with the Ravens in 1997. Jim Irsay, the owner of the Indianapolis Colts, tweeted that he was “heartbroken, as is all of Colts Nation.” In a subsequent tweet, Irsay said, “The Goose packed 200 happy-go-lucky years into 55!!”

When several of the younger players prepared a large pot of cocoa in the team room, Siragusa recognized a chance to mix it with laxative prior to exercise. As the players hurried off the pitch, Siragusa chuckled.