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Former Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Tony Siragusa dead at age 55

Tony Siragusa, once one of the biggest players and personas in the NFL, died Wednesday morning at the age of 55.

The cause of his death has not yet been publicly disclosed.

“Renee and I are stunned and heartbroken to learn about the sudden passing of Tony Siragusa," Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement.

“He was a special person and clearly one of the most popular players in Ravens history. Tony’s larger-than-life personality made an enormous impact on our organization and throughout the Baltimore community.

“Our deepest prayers and sympathies go out to Kathy, their three children and the rest of the Siragusa family."

After playing collegiately at Pittsburgh, Siragusa entered the NFL in 1990 as an undrafted free agent for the Indianapolis Colts. Following seven seasons manning the defensive line in the Circle City, he signed with Baltimore in 1997 – a move that elevated his career and visibility to new levels.

A 6-3, 330-pound run stuffer who played in 177 NFL games (including playoffs), the man known as "Goose" would become part of a daunting line that would anchor one of the best defenses in league history.

Former defensive lineman Tony Siragusa was a veteran of 12 NFL seasons.
Former defensive lineman Tony Siragusa was a veteran of 12 NFL seasons.

Teaming with fellow wide body Sam Adams, Siragusa shut down rush lanes and tied up blocks in front of legendary middle linebacker Ray Lewis for the 2000 Ravens, arguably the most dominant defense the league has seen in the past four decades. That squad allowed 10.3 points per game – the fewest since the regular season expanded to 16 games in 1978 – while posting four shutouts before mauling the Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl 35, a game when New York's lone score occurred via a kickoff return.

Siragusa returned for one more season in 2001, his sarcastic and effervescent personality documented in the inaugural edition of HBO's "Hard Knocks."

He joined the media after retirement, serving as a Fox sideline reporter through the 2015 season. He also dabbled in acting and landed a small role in "The Sopranos."

Said Lewis in a statement: "This is a tough one. I love Goose like a brother. From the first day we met, I knew that life was different. I knew he was someone who would change my life forever. He was a one-of-a-kind person who made you feel important and special. You can never replace a man like that."

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Follow USA TODAY Sports' Nate Davis on Twitter @ByNateDavis.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tony Siragusa dies at age 55, played 12 NFL seasons for Ravens, Colts