Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died, the team announced Wednesday. He was 26.
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the Ravens said in a statement, which did not list a cause of death. “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.”
Baltimore Police said Northern District officers responded Tuesday night to reports of a questionable death at a home in the 400 block of Ilchester Avenue in Baltimore’s Harwood neighborhood. There, police found Ferguson unresponsive and receiving treatment from medics.
“Ferguson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead on the scene by medics,” Baltimore Police spokeswoman Niki Fennoy said in a statement.
Police said there were no signs of trauma or foul play, but investigators are not ruling out the possibility of an overdose. Police said the medical examiner will determine a cause of death.
Ferguson was entering the fourth season of his career in Baltimore. A third-round draft pick in 2018, Ferguson set the Football Bowl Subdivision record for career sacks (45) at Louisiana Tech, eclipsing former Arizona State and Ravens great Terrell Suggs’ mark. Ferguson started for three seasons for the Bulldogs, earning his “Sack Daddy” nickname and winning Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2018.
“The LA Tech Family mourns this morning’s tragic news of the sudden death of former Bulldog great, Jaylon Ferguson,” Louisiana Tech’s football team tweeted. “We will remember his God-given talents on the field and his infectious personality off of it.”
Ferguson was a full participant for the first two days of the Ravens’ three-day mandatory minicamp last week before suffering what coach John Harbaugh called a sprained ankle. He was set to report to training camp in late July.
On social media, Ravens teammates mourned Ferguson’s passing.
“The last person I talked to leaving the facility,” Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen, a fellow Louisiana native, said of Ferguson on Twitter. “Spent almost everyday in the sauna together tryna see who gone last longer. Said it was our turn this year man. Ima miss you bro.”
“I can’t believe this,” fullback Patrick Ricard tweeted. “Just absolutely tragic.”
“Joked together, laughed together, prayed together, fought on the field together!!” inside linebacker Josh Bynes tweeted. “Just a genuine spirit. Love this man! Will miss you bro.”
Ferguson is survived by his fiancee, Doni Smith, and their three young children, Jrea, Jyce and Demi.
This story will be updated. Baltimore Sun reporter Lea Skene contributed to this article.
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Source: Orange County Register
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