Football fans have had to grieve many unexpected deaths in 2022, including NFL players Jaylon Ferguson and Jeff
Gladney.
In June 2022, the Baltimore Ravens revealed Ferguson’s death at the age of 26. “We are profoundly saddened by the
passing of Jayson Ferguson,” the squad said in a statement. “He was a good-natured, courteous young man with a
huge smile and an appealing attitude. We send our heartfelt sympathies to Jaylon’s family and friends as we mourn a
life taken far too soon.”
The outside linebacker’s agent also spoke about her client’s unexpected death, telling NBC News, “He was a great
young man full of love and life. He will be remembered not only as a football player, but also as an outstanding
father, son, brother, and friend. The family requests your continuous prayers.
The Louisiana native, who was drafted in 2019, was apparently discovered unresponsive and ruled deceased, with no
evidence of injuries or foul play. According to ESPN, officers responded to a call in northern Baltimore, although no
official cause of death has been published yet.
Ferguson spent Father’s Day with his son and two children before his unexpected demise. He shares his children
with Doni Smith. “How am I going to tell my babies,” Smith tweeted in response to the news. “Till eternity. Get some
rest, my darling!!!”
Ferguson had expressed excitement at the opportunity to extend his family. “My best friend, my boy, my firstborn,
my only son, the one who will be the future sack daddy, turned three years old on this date, and we went partying!”
he posted on Instagram in November 2020 to commemorate his son’s special day. “Happy birthday, Jyce O’Neal
Ferguson. Mama and papa love you so dearly, and we are grateful for you.”
