Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died at 26 years old, the team announced Wednesday morning.
“We are profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the club 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.”
Baltimore police responded to a home in the 400 block of Ilchester Ave. in Baltimore for a report of a questionable death at around 11:25 p.m. ET Tuesday and found an unresponsive Ferguson being treated by medics, a Baltimore police spokesperson confirmed to NFL.com. Ferguson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead on the scene by the medics.
No signs of trauma were found and foul play is not suspected at this time, Baltimore police added.
"It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the unexpected passing of our beloved Jaylon Ferguson," Ferguson's family said in a statement on Thursday. "Jaylon was a loving father, son, brother, fiancé and an exceptional athlete. His kindness, big heart and infectious personality will be missed by so many, but his legacy will continue. We wholeheartedly appreciate the calls, text and post of support from his many friends and fans upon learning of this tragedy."
A third-round pick out of Louisiana Tech in 2019, Ferguson played 38 games with the Ravens, including 10 starts, and recorded 67 tackles and 4.5 sacks over three seasons.
“It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Baltimore Ravens LB Jaylon Ferguson,” Ferguson’s agent Safarrah Lawson said in a statement. "The family asks for your prayers and privacy during this trying time."
Said Ravens coach John Harbaugh in a statement: “Jaylon was a good-hearted, gentle person who loved his family and his team. He was a joy to talk with and be around every day. You always wanted to see and talk to ‘Ferg.’ Our prayers and our help go to his family. Our hearts are with his Spirit. R.I.P., Jaylon.”
Ravens players and the NFL community took to social media to mourn the loss of their teammate.
“Jaylon was a great young man to be around," said Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell. "He usually had a big smile on his face and would lighten up the room with a joke. He was just a great, fun guy. He will be missed.”
Said Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley: “Jaylon had a pure heart. He wanted to be a great player, but never tried to downplay his teammates to get there. While going against him in practice, he would always tell me when I was doing a good job, even when it meant it was against himself. He was always with a smile and had an eagerness to learn. He wanted to be better for himself and his kids. He was so excited every time he had a new kid who was about to be born. He always talked about them and how he plays for them.”
“Me and ‘Ferg’ went through some of the same struggles when it came to making a name for ourselves in the league," said Ravens LB Tyus Bowser. "From that, we were able to gain an understanding and help each other build and grow as players. From the playbook, to the field – and even outside of work – we created a strong bond amongst ourselves. Whether I was having a bad day or vice versa, we encouraged each other, and that’s what I appreciated most and what I’ll miss about him. His positive energy, encouragement and his belief in me helped mold me into the player and man I am today. He will be missed but NEVER forgotten. Rest Easy, 45.”
Said Ravens safety Tony Jefferson: “‘J Ferg’ had the most genuine energy I’ve ever been around. Before I left after minicamp in the locker room, he expressed how he was ready to have a big year, and I believed it was going to be his best season as a Raven. He will be watching over us, I know it, and he will bring the team closer just from his mark he left. He will definitely be missed. We love you, ‘Ferg Dog.’ May you continue to send your contagious energy to this team every day. We need it to get to where we want to get. You will never be forgotten in Jesus’ name!”