Jaylon Ferguson: Baltimore Ravens linebacker dies aged 26

The NFL’s Baltimore Ravens are mourning the tragic death of linebacker Jaylon Ferguson.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ravens said Ferguson had passed away on Tuesday night at the age of 26. It is unclear at this stage how he died.

Ferguson was selected by the Ravens in the third round and with the 85th pick of the 2019 NFL Draft after an impressive college career at Louisiana Tech, where he broke Ravens legend Terrell Suggs’ all-time NCAA FBS sack record.

He made 38 appearances for the Ravens over the ensuing three seasons, producing 62 tackles and 4.5 sacks in total.

“We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Jaylon Ferguson,” the Ravens said in their official statement on Wednesday. “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.”

Ferguson had been present for Ravens mandatory mini-camp at the team’s Owings Mills facility in Maryland last week.

Confirming his passing, Ferguson’s agent Safarrah Lawson said: “It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Baltimore Ravens LB Jaylon Ferguson. The family asks for your prayers and privacy during this trying time.”

Ferguson is the third young NFL player to pass away in recent months.

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney was killed in a car accident in Dallas last month aged 25, while in April Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins, 24, died after being hit by a truck on a South Florida highway.