Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Jaylon Ferguson has died at the age of 26, the team announced Wednesday.
Ferguson died in Baltimore, according to his agent, Safarrah Lawson. No cause of death was given.
“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, a third-round pick by the Ravens in 2019, had participated in all of the team’s offseason practices this year. It appeared that he had worked hard to be in the best shape of his career, dropping a significant amount of weight.
Known as “Sack Daddy” coming out of Louisiana Tech, Ferguson holds the FBS record for career sacks with 45. In three NFL seasons, he totaled 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Jaylon Ferguson played three seasons for the Ravens after they selected him in the third round of the 2019 draft. Gail Burton/AP
Ferguson spent most of his time during the 2019 draft, in which he was the 85th player selected, helping his hometown of Ruston, Louisiana, recover from a deadly tornado. He helped search for people while removing uprooted trees from the street. He also helped bring water and pizza to people in need.
“The last person I talked to leaving the facility,” Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen tweeted. “Spent almost everyday in the sauna together tryna see who gone last longer. Said it was our turn this year man. Ima miss you bro.”
Ferguson had three children, two daughters and a son, who are all under the age of 5.
“He was a wonderful young man full of love and life,” Lawson said in a statement. “He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother and friend. The family asks for your continued prayers.”
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