Tony Siragusa facts for kids
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| Position: | Defensive tackle | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | May 14, 1967 Kenilworth, New Jersey |
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| Died: | June 22, 2022 (aged 55) Ortley Beach, New Jersey |
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| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 340 lb (154 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Brearley (Kenilworth, New Jersey) | ||||||||
| College: | Pittsburgh | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 1990 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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Anthony Siragusa Sr. (born May 14, 1967 – died June 22, 2022) was a famous American football player. People often called him "the Goose". He played as a defensive tackle for 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Baltimore Ravens.
After his football career, Tony Siragusa became a TV personality. He worked as a reporter for NFL games on the Fox Network. He also hosted a show about home makeovers called Man Caves on the DIY Network.
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Early Life and High School Sports
Tony Siragusa grew up in Kenilworth, New Jersey. He went to David Brearley High School. In high school, he was a great athlete. He played both football and was on the wrestling team.
He was an amazing wrestler, winning the New Jersey state championship. His wrestling record was 97 wins and only 1 loss! In football, he played on the defensive line. He also kicked and punted the ball.
College Football Journey
Siragusa went to the University of Pittsburgh. He played college football for the Pittsburgh Panthers. He was a starting defensive tackle in his second and third years (1986 and 1987).
In 1988, he had a serious injury. He tore a ligament in his left knee during practice. This injury meant he could not play for the whole 1988 season. Before his injury, many thought he would be a top pick in the NFL draft. But because of the injury, no team chose him in the 1990 NFL draft.
NFL Career: A Powerful Defensive Player
Even though he wasn't drafted, Tony Siragusa still made it to the NFL. He became a very important player for two teams.
Playing for the Indianapolis Colts
In 1990, the Indianapolis Colts signed Siragusa as an undrafted free agent. He played as a defensive tackle, often called a nose tackle. His job was to draw attention from two opposing players. This helped his teammates make plays.
He played for the Colts for seven seasons. He was a strong player who made many tackles. In 1994, he had his best season with five sacks and 88 tackles. He helped the Colts reach the 1995 AFC Championship Game. They almost made it to the Super Bowl that year.
Winning with the Baltimore Ravens
In 1997, Siragusa joined the Baltimore Ravens. He quickly became a key part of their defense. The Ravens' defense in 2000 was one of the best ever. They allowed the fewest points in NFL history for a 16-game season.
During the 2000 AFC title game, he made a very strong play on the Oakland Raiders quarterback. He helped lead the Ravens to their first Super Bowl ever. In Super Bowl XXXV, the Ravens beat the New York Giants 34–7. Tony Siragusa retired after the 2001 season. He finished his career with 562 tackles and 22 sacks.
After Football: TV and Helping Others
After retiring from football, Tony Siragusa became a familiar face on TV. He worked as a sideline reporter and analyst for NFL games on Fox. He often worked with famous sports broadcasters like Kenny Albert and Daryl Johnston.
He also showed his acting skills. He appeared in the TV show The Sopranos as a character named Frankie Cortese. He also played a Russian mobster in the 2002 movie 25th Hour.
Tony Siragusa hosted Man Caves on the DIY network. On this show, he helped people create amazing personal spaces in their homes. He also cared about helping others. In 2013, he started appearing in ads to raise awareness for men's prostate cancer. He wanted to make it easier for guys to talk about this important health issue.
Personal Life and Family
Tony Siragusa married his wife, Kathy, on April 22, 1995. They had three children together: Samantha, Ava, and Anthony Jr. He lived with his family in Ortley Beach, New Jersey.
His Passing
Tony Siragusa passed away in his sleep on June 22, 2022. He was 55 years old.
