The Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday announced the sudden death of fourth-year linebacker Jaylon Ferguson. He was just 26 years old. The cause of death was not made public at the time of publication.
Baltimore Ravens announce the passing of LB Jaylon Ferguson
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Feguson,” the Ravens said in a statement. “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.”
Ferguson’s agent, Safarrah Lawson, released this statement to Pro Football Network: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson. He was a wonderful young man full of love and life. He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend. The family ask for your continued prayers.”
ESPN reports that responding Baltimore police officers found an unresponsive Ferguson in a home in the north side of the city late Tuesday. Ferguson never regained consciousness, the ESPN report continued, and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Cops told the outlet that there were no signs of trauma or foul play, and that they are investigating the death as a potential overdose.
Born Dec. 14, 1995 in Zachary, La., Ferguson stayed in-state to play his college ball, attending Louisiana Tech. There, he was two-time all-conference and the Conference-USA player of the year in 2018. He set the NCAA career sack record (45) in his final collegiate game.
That body of work convinced the Ravens to select him 85th overall in 2019. He appeared in 10 games in his first three NFL seasons, totaling 67 tackles (including 13 for loss), 4.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits.
But some believed Ferguson was primed for a breakout year in 2022. He showed up to spring ball in excellent shape, transforming his body with a dedicated offseason regimen.
“Jaylon, right now, he’s doing a great job,” new Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald said three weeks ago. “He’s competing. The techniques that we’re teaching are slightly different than he knows, so that’s a little bit of a learning curve for him, but once he gets out there full-go and rolling, then I expect him to compete.”
Ferguson is the third active NFL player to die this offseason. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins and Cornerback Jeff Gladney both died in separate motor vehicle tragedies.
“We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Jaylon Ferguson,” the NFL wrote. “The NFL family sends our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.