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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Mark Schofield

Baltimore Ravens defensive end Jaylon Ferguson passes away at 26

Jaylon Ferguson Baltimore Ravens Louisiana Tech NFL

The Baltimore Ravens announced the tragic news that defensive end Jaylon Ferguson passed away suddenly at the age of 26.

Ferguson was a third-round pick by the organization in the 2019 NFL draft, following a stellar career at Louisiana Tech. While in college he earned the nickname “Sack Daddy,” and his 45 career sacks remains the record among FBS players.

Back in 2019 prior to hearing his name called in the third round, Ferguson had spent that day helping his community in Louisiana. A deadly tornado passed through Ruston near Louisiana Tech in the days before the draft, and Ferguson joined some teammates in helping their community by clearing trees, passing out water, and delivering pizza to those who needed food.

“I spent that morning pulling trees across the road, moving branches, helping everybody out down the road. Just trying to help as many people as we can. We gave out packs of water, we bought some pizza for everybody, just trying to do little things to life people’s spirits,” Ferguson said. “We’re football players, we care and it’s the little things that matter.”

Ferguson and his partner Doni had two children, a son and a daughter. This tribute posted on Wednesday morning included a video of Ferguson and his two young children:

Tributes to Ferguson also came in from his current and former NFL teammates:

 

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