Tony Siragusa, Former Super Bowl Champion Defensive Tackle, Dead At 55

Former NFL defensive tackle Tony Siragusa, known as "The Goose" during his playing days, has passed away at the age of 55.

Jamal Lewis, former teammate of Siragusa, confirmed the news to TMZ Sports Wednesday. A cause of death has not yet been reported.

Siragusa enjoyed a 12-year NFL career with the Colts (1990-96) and Ravens (1997-2001), after going undrafted in the 1990 NFL Draft. Siragusa won a Super Bowl with Baltimore in 2001 and was a staple of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history with the Ravens, playing alongside Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Rod Woodson.

“This is a tough one. I love Goose like a brother," Ray Lewis said, via the Ravens. "From the first day we met, I knew that life was different. I knew he was someone who would change my life forever. He was a one-of-a-kind person who made you feel important and special. You can never replace a man like that. On the field, he was the ultimate competitor who brought out the best in all of us.

“We should never put off tomorrow for what we can do today. Hug your loved ones for Goose. We were all so blessed that God gave us that time together celebrating our 2000 team a few weeks ago.

“To the Siragusa family: We have lost a great man, but God has gained a great angel. May they be blessed, held and comforted by the peace he brought to everyone who encountered him.”

AFP PHOTO/Peter MUHLY (Photo by PETER MUHLY / AFP) (Photo by PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images)

The 6-foot-3, 340-pounder's partnership with fellow defensive tackle Sam Adams made Siragusa stand out, as the two formed a near 700-pound plus tandem within the trenches. Siragusa would finish his career with 564 tackles and 22 sacks.

“It was an honor and a privilege to line up next to Tony Siragusa," Adams said, via the Ravens. "He made the game fun and was a true competitor. Our D-line room was special on and off the field. May he rest easy, and may God bless and keep his family.”

(Photo by Michael J. Minardi/Getty Images)

Upon retirement, Siragusa quickly transitioned to his next career of broadcasting. Siragusa served as a sideline analyst for Fox Sports from 2003-2015.

Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted the following on Siragusa's death:

"The Goose squeezed 200 fun loving years into 55!! He was one of the most physically strongest players I have ever seen in 50 years," Irsay wrote. "In Greece, they would ask 1 question at the end of one’s life; Did He Have Passion? In Tony’s case..Yes He Did!!"