Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died at the age of 26 on Wednesday, the team announced.
“We are deeply saddened by Jaylon Ferguson’s tragic death,” the team said in a statement. “He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life taken far too soon.”
It was around 11:25 p.m. According to Baltimore Police, officers responded to a home in the city’s northern district on Tuesday, where they discovered Ferguson unresponsive and being treated by medics. According to police, Ferguson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead on the scene by medics.
At this time, no signs of trauma or foul play have been discovered, according to Baltimore Police. Ferguson’s body was taken to the medical examiner’s office, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. According to a police spokesperson, investigators are not ruling out the possibility of an overdose.
Ferguson, the Ravens’ third-round pick in 2019, had taken part in all of the team’s offseason workouts this year. He appeared to have worked hard to get into the best shape of his career, having lost a significant amount of weight.
Ferguson, nicknamed “Sack Daddy” after graduating from Louisiana Tech, holds the FBS record for career sacks with 45. He had 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks in three NFL seasons.
“The LA Tech Family mourns this morning’s tragic news of former Bulldog great, Jaylon Ferguson’s, sudden death,” the Louisiana Tech football team tweeted. “We will remember his God-given talents on the field as well as his contagious personality off the field. His family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Ferguson spent the majority of his time in the 2019 draft, where he was the 85th player chosen, assisting his hometown of Ruston, Louisiana, in its recovery from a deadly tornado. He assisted in the search for people while also removing uprooted trees from the street.
He also assisted in delivering water and pizza to those in need.
Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen tweeted, “The last person I spoke to was leaving the facility.” “We spent almost every day in the sauna together, trying to see who could go the longest. Man, they said it was our turn this year. I’m going to miss you, bro.”
Ferguson has three children, two daughters and one son, all of whom are under the age of five.
Ferguson’s agent, Safarrah Lawson, said in a statement, “He was a wonderful young man full of love and life.” “He will be remembered not only as a great football player, but also as a wonderful father, son, brother, and friend. The family would appreciate your continued prayers.”
