Jaylon Ferguson, the outside quarterback who was entering his fourth season with the Baltimore Ravens, died after authorities found him unresponsive at a North Baltimore home late Tuesday, police said. He was 26 years old.
Baltimore Police said in a statement that officers were called to the house shortly before 11:30 p.m. to investigate a “suspicious death.” When they arrived, Mr. Ferguson was unresponsive, said Detective Nikki Fenoy, a spokeswoman for the department. She said paramedics declared him dead at the scene.
Detective Finoy said there were no signs of shock or poor play, but investigators “do not rule out the possibility of an overdose.”
Police said Mr Ferguson’s body was taken to the medical examiner’s office, where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.
crows The death of Mr. Ferguson was announced via social media early Wednesday morning, saying the team was “deeply saddened by the tragic death of Gaylon Ferguson.” The team described Mr. Ferguson as “a kind and respectful young man with a big smile and an infectious personality.”
The team wrote: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Gillon’s family and friends as we mourn a life lost so soon.”
The Ravens chose Mr. Ferguson during the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft as their 85th overall pick. In the junior season, Record 31 treatments and 2.5 bags, and contributed to the Ravens’ defense, which ranked third in points allowed. In 2020, in a match against the Cincinnati Bengals, he scored the highest level of his career six times.
Mr. Ferguson, a Louisiana native and a Louisiana Tech graduate, broke the NCAA record with 45 sacks, earned the nickname “Sack Daddy” and beat former longtime Ravens player Terrell Suggs, who scored 44 career sacks in Arizona State University.
Current and former teammates and players around the NFL shared a tribute to Mr. Ferguson on Wednesday.
Josh Bynes, Ravens streak player, He said on Twitter He and Mr Ferguson always had “real” conversations.
“They joked together, they laughed together, they prayed together, they fought in the field together!!” he wrote. “Only an honest soul.”
“Introvert. Subtly charming web geek. Lifelong entrepreneur. Amateur social media expert. Coffee trailblazer.”