Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died at age 26, the team announced June 22.
No cause of death was immediately available.
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the team 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 was entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Ravens, who drafted him in the third round out of Louisiana Tech in 2019.
A native of St. Francisville, La., Ferguson set the all-time FBS record for sacks with 45 — breaking the previous mark of 44 set by former Raven Terrell Suggs at Arizona State.
He started nine games as a rookie in 2019 and finished that year with 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks, but he struggled to carve out a significant role with the team in the past two seasons. Last year, Ferguson appeared in 10 games, totaling six tackles.
Ferguson reported to Organized Team Activities this spring looking fit and appeared to have shed about 15 pounds from last season, when he was listed by the team at 6-foot-5 and 270 pounds. He was competing for a significant role as an edge rusher and figured to have an extended audition in training camp given that fellow outside linebackers Tyus Bowser and rookie David Ojabo remain sidelined by Achilles injuries.
During three seasons, Ferguson appeared in 38 games, with 10 starts, and totaled 67 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 17 quarterback hits and two fumble recoveries.
Current and former teammates paid tribute to Ferguson on social media following the news.
Patrick Queen:
James Proche:
Tony Jefferson:
Josh Bynes:
Marlon Humphrey:
Tavon Young:
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