Last June, Ravens legend Tony Siragusa passed away unexpectedly at the age of 55. ESPN’s recent 30 for 30 documentary about the 2000 Ravens, titled “Bullies of Baltimore,” paid tribute to the former defensive tackle, who was one of the key pieces of the team that won the Super Bowl.
Viewers were reminded of Siragusa’s unique personality and contributions to that Super Bowl run during the documentary.
“My dad was exactly who you saw him to be on that TV in every aspect of his life. Any room that he would walk into he would light up,” Tony’s daughter, Sammi, said on Glenn Clark Radio Feb. 7. “He just led with kindness and fun and a great work ethic.”
Siragusa began his NFL career in 1990 with the Indianapolis Colts after earning a roster spot as an undrafted player out of Pitt. Throughout the course of his 12-year NFL career, Siragusa compiled 564 tackles, 22 sacks, forced five fumbles and nine fumble recoveries.
The defensive tackle was an entertaining player for fans and earned the nickname “Goose.” After recording a sack or making a big play, Siragusa celebrated by flapping his arms like a goose. Siragusa brought the fun antics with him to Baltimore when he signed with the Ravens in 1997.
The former Ravens star was known for giving back to the community and remaining connected with the city after he retired following the 2001 season. His outgoing personality made him a fan favorite for appearances, autographs and the like.
“Over all the years just as we would go back to Baltimore and visit, I would see when we would walk into his favorite crab place or we’d walk into a regular restaurant or wherever it may be, I could see the love that would pour out from all these random people,” Sammi said. “And that’s so special. Ever since his passing I’ve been hearing these incredible, amazing stories about him that he had never shared.”
Tony Siragusa had been working with the NFL Alumni Baltimore Chapter to create a program called Goose Flights through his Titan Aviation Group that was set to give back to retired NFL players, children and others. The elder Siragusa never completed his vision of what the program would look like, but after his passing, Sammi took over as the president of Goose Flights helping to fulfill Tony’s vision of the program.
Goose Flights recently picked its first passenger: Cayden Winstead, who has a serious brain condition. The program provided a private jet for Cayden and his family to attend this year’s Super Bowl.
“Essentially we transport people with terminal illnesses to reliable health care facilities, hospitals, vacation destinations via jet charter,” Sammi said. “Transportation these days is a little wonky. If there’s a kid who lives in another state who needs to get to a specialist but doesn’t have a way to get there, we’re here.”
Donate to Goose Flights at gooseflights.org.
For more from Sammi Siragusa, listen to the full interview here:
Photo Credits: Courtesy of Sammi Siragusa