Jaylon Ferguson, Baltimore Ravens linebacker, died on Wednesday. He was 26. 

“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 team said in a statement. 

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Nicknamed ‘Sack Daddy, Ferguson played three NFL seasons, all with Baltimore. He set the career sacks record in the college Football Bowl Subdivision (45) when he played at Louisiana Tech.

Police said the cause of death is still to be determined.

“On June 21, 2022, at approximately 11:25 p.m., Northern District patrol officers responded to a home in the 400 block of Ilchester Avenue for a report of a questionable death,” Baltimore police said.

Also read: ‘Sad day to be a Raven’: NFL side loses Tony Siragusa, Jaylon Ferguson on same day

“Once there, officers located 26-year-old Jaylon Ferguson, unresponsive, being treated by medics. Ferguson never regained consciousness and was pronounced dead on the scene by medics. No signs of trauma was found or foul play suspected at this time.”

Ferguson was drafted by the Ravens in the third round in 2019, and played in 38 games as a pro with 4 1/2 sacks.

Why was Jaylon Ferguson called ‘Sack Daddy’?

While there is no clear explanation for people calling Jaylon Ferguson ‘Sack Daddy’. Cory Diaz of the News Star spoke to Louisiana Tech defensive tackle Jordan Bradford about the nickname. 

“I think it was at UTSA three years ago, that’s when Jaylon first called himself the Sack Daddy. He had like two or three sacks that game and we get in the locker room, he starts calling himself the Sack Daddy,” Bradford said. 

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“It came from one of our former walk-ons, Keon Johnson. We used to call him Mack Daddy. When he came in right around the time of the UTSA game, he started calling me Sack Daddy. After a little bit, it stuck with me. Then I started calling myself Sack Daddy a little bit on Instagram, next thing I know I got a whole article on Sack Daddy. It’s crazy,” Ferguson had himself told Diaz. 

Jaylon Ferguson recorded 45 sacks at Louisiana Tech.