The Ravens will wear a helmet decal this season to honor Tony Siragusa and Jaylon Ferguson, two former players who died during the summer.
The team also announced that the families of both players will be recognized at M&T Bank Stadium before the home opener, Sunday, Sept. 18, against the Miami Dolphins.
The decal, on the back of the helmet, features a gold shield that reads “98 Goose” and “45 Jaylon,” a nod to Siragusa’s nickname and the jersey number of each player.
Siragusa was one of the charismatic leaders of the Ravens’ first Super Bowl title team. The defensive lineman played 12 seasons in the NFL, the final five (1997-2001) with the Ravens. He died in June at age 55.
Ferguson, an outside linebacker and third-round draft pick in 2019, was set to enter his fourth season with the Ravens this fall. He died suddenly in June at age 26. The state medical examiner’s office later determined the death accidental and resulted from combined effects of fentanyl and cocaine.
Ferguson’s family will be recognized as honorary game captains.
Each player will also receive a moment of silence before the game.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Baltimore Ravens