Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died Tuesday night, the team announced Wednesday. He was 26.
“We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the team said in a statement. “He was a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and infectious personality. We express our heartfelt condolences to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost much too soon.”
The Ravens did not disclose details of Ferguson’s death.
A tweet from the team said he was “a kind, respectful young man with a big smile and an infectious personality.”
Safarrah Lawson, Ferguson’s agent, confirmed his death.
“He was a wonderful young man full of love and life. He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend,” Lawson said. “The family asks for your continued prayers.”
The linebacker played college football at Louisiana Tech before joining the Ravens.
At Louisiana Tech, in 2018, Ferguson made 45 sacks, breaking a NCAA record and validating his nickname of “Sack Daddy.” His jersey number with the Ravens was 45.
The Ravens drafted him in the third round the next year. Ferguson was preparing for his fourth season with the team.
The NFL and his teammates shared their shock and condolences on social media.
The league called Ferguson’s death a “tragic loss.”
“RIP Ferg,” Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace wrote, adding emojis of a broken heart, a dove and praying hands.
Wide receiver James Proche tweeted: “rest easy 45,” a reference to Ferguson’s number on the team.
“I can’t believe this. Just absolutely tragic. RIP #SackDaddy,” Ravens fullback Pat Ricard wrote in a post on Twitter.
Source: | This article originally belongs to Nbcnews.com
