Tony Siragusa Cause Of Death: Super Bowl Champ, ‘Sopranos’ Star Dies In His Sleep

KEY POINTS

Jamal Lewis confirmed that Tony Siragusa has passed away
The 55-year-old former NFL player died in his sleep
Siragusa’s cause of death was not immediately released

Tony Siragusa, who played Frankie Cortese on “The Sopranos” and made a name for himself in the NFL, has died. He was 55.

The ex-football star’s former Baltimore Ravens teammate Jamal Lewis confirmed his passing to TMZ Sports Wednesday.

“It’s a sad day to be a Raven I must say,” the former running back said after confirming the death of the retired defensive tackle.

The cause of death was not immediately available. However, Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson said he died in his sleep.

“Retired former Ravens defensive tackle Tony Siragusa died in his sleep at age 55,” Wilson wrote on Twitter.

He also shared a statement he got from Siragusa’s former teammate Brad Jackson, who said, “He was the leader, he was our captain. He meant everything to everyone. It’s a sad day. I just talked to him on Sunday. It’s terrible.”

Siragusa’s broadcast agent Jim Ornstein also expressed his sadness in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter.

“This is really [a] sad day. Tony was way more than my client, he was family. My heart goes out to Tony’s loved ones,” he said.

Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi also paid tribute to the former Panther on Twitter.

“The Goose. Always bigger than life on and off the field. Forever a Pitt Man and never forgotten,” he tweeted.

Also known as “the Goose” on the playfield, Siragusa played seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. The 6-foot-3, 340-pound player entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Colts in 1990. He became a full-time starter two years later.

He went on to play for five seasons with the Ravens after signing with them in 1997, helping the team secure the Super Bowl XXXV title in 2000.

In his 12 years in the NFL, he accumulated 22 sacks and 564 combined tackles.

Siragusa retired in 2001. But due to his fun-loving personality, he quickly transitioned to being a broadcaster for Fox Sports, for which he became a household name.

He also gained fame for his appearance in “The Sopranos” and in the 2002 movie “25th Hour.” Aside from his acting stint, he ventured into the DIY Network, hosting the home-renovation series “Man Caves.”