The Pitt community received devastating news Wednesday when word spread that former defensive tackle and fan favorite, Tony Siragusa passed away. His former Baltimore Ravens teammate Jamal Lewis confirmed his death to TMZ. He was 55 years old.
Nicknamed "the Goose", Siragusa immediately became a fan favorite upon arrival at Pitt in 1985 and his legend only grew when he was famously quoted as saying, "If I wanted to learn a school song, I would've gone to Notre Dame or Penn State. I want to kill people on the football field. That's why I came to Pitt." His play and larger-than-life personality only added to his mystique which he carried throughout his life.
Pat Narduzzi said in a tweet today, "Tony was truly larger than life. On and off the field. He played the game passionately and relentlessly. ... His post-football life took him so many places, but he never forgot Pitt."
NFL legend Tony Siragusa has died at 55 years old, his former Baltimore Ravens teammate, Jamal Lewis, confirmed to TMZ Sports. https://t.co/JRGbzZRfKs
— TMZ (@TMZ) June 22, 2022
RIP Tony Siragusa, 1967-2022.
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) June 22, 2022
Proud Pitt Man.
Super Bowl Champion.
"The Goose," Forever. pic.twitter.com/lgXAVqB9Oe
The Goose. Always bigger than life on and off the field. Forever a Pitt Man and never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/1J1P2YBcbd
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) June 22, 2022
The Goose. Always bigger than life on and off the field. Forever a Pitt Man and never forgotten. pic.twitter.com/1J1P2YBcbd
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) June 22, 2022
Siragusa signed with the Colts as an undrafted free agent in 1990 after missing his senior year at Pitt because of an ACL tear. Prior to the injury, he was widely regarded as a potential first-round draft pick. He went on to play seven years for the Colts before signing with the Ravens in 1997. He played five seasons with the Ravens, including their record setting 2000 season in which they allowed the fewest total points in NFL history for a 16-game season. He finished his NFL career with 562 tackles (416 solo), 22 sacks, five forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, and 28 pass deflections in 170 career games. He also won Super Bowl XXXV as a member of the Ravens.
After his retirement, he became a very popular sideline reporter and analyst for Fox Sports and also starred in the television series, The Sopranos, as 'Frankie Cortese.' Up until his death, he hosted Man Caves on the DIY Network and a documentary called Megamachines on the Discovery Channel.
Siragusa is survived by his wife of 27 years, Kathy and their three children: Samantha, Ava, and Anthony Jr. They lived in Ortley Beach, N.J.
