The Baltimore Ravens announced the tragic news that defensive end Jaylon Ferguson passed away suddenly at the age of 26.
We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson. pic.twitter.com/ylBvLEzjer
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 22, 2022
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:
A video from Fergs partner. We look at these guys as football players first and sometimes forget there’s so much more to it.
Ferg was obviously an incredible father and it’s just heartbreaking to think about.
RIP#RavensFlock
— Cole Jackson (@ColeJacksonFB) June 22, 2022
Tributes to Ferguson also came in from his current and former NFL teammates:
The last person I talked to leaving the facility. 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💔
— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) June 22, 2022
— Rashod Bateman (@R_bateman2) June 22, 2022
J Ferg I love you my brother 😢💔🕊 https://t.co/lltgAjiHue
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) June 22, 2022
RIP Ferg 💔🕊🙏🏽 https://t.co/Hr0n2jT9nm
— Tylan Wallace (@OfficialTylan2) June 22, 2022
