Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Jaylon Ferguson Dead at 26, Team Confirms

Linebacker Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Baltimore Ravens on the sidelines during the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sept. 13, 2021. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jaylon Ferguson died at age 26, according to the team in a statement posted Wednesday.

Ferguson, a third-round NFL draft pick in 2019, had netted 4.5 sacks and 67 tackles over his career. He played in 38 games.

“We [are] profoundly saddened by the tragic passing of Jaylon Ferguson. 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,” the Ravens said.

His cause of death was not disclosed in the statement.

Baltimore Police told CBS Sports that officers responded to reports of a death at the home in the 400 block of Ilchester Avenue in Baltimore’s Harwood district. That’s when they found Ferguson unresponsive and getting emergency medical treatment from paramedics.

“Ferguson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead on the scene by medics,” Baltimore Police spokeswoman Niki Fennoy stated, without elaborating.

There were no signs of trauma or foul play. His cause of death will be determined by the local medical examiner’s office.

Baltimore Police spokesperson Lindsey Eldridge was quoted by Yahoo Sports that his death was considered “questionable.”

“I can say that we are not ruling anything out,” Eldridge said. “We don’t determine [the] cause of death, but we consider the possibility that it could be an overdose.”

Player’s Death Mourned

Ferguson’s agent, Safarra Lawson, also confirmed his death.

“He was a wonderful young man full of love and life. He will be remembered not just as a football player, but as a great father, son, brother, and friend,” Lawson told NBC News. “The family asks for your continued prayers.”

On Twitter, teammates and opposing team members mourned his death.

“The last person I talked to leaving the facility,” Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen wrote on Twitter. “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.”

“J Ferg I love you my brother,” wrote running back Mark Ingram. “I can’t believe this. Just absolutely tragic. RIP,” said Pat Richard.

And the NFL also offered its condolences after his death was confirmed.

“We are heartbroken to hear of the tragic loss of Jaylon Ferguson,” the league said. “The NFL family sends our deepest condolences to his loved ones.”

Other details about his death weren’t provided by officials.

Ferguson leaves behind three children, including two daughters and a son.