Tony Siragusa, the NFL defensive tackle who became one of the game's biggest players and personalities, died Wednesday at the age of 55.

The cause of Siragusa's death was not immediately available.

Affectionately known as "Goose," Siragusa served as a vital cog in the middle of the Baltimore Ravens' historic 2000 defense, which spearheaded the franchise's first Super Bowl title that same season

He started his 12-year career by drinking away his $1,000 signing bonus as an undrafted free agent and left the game as one of its unique personalities

There was no one like Goose -- a warrior on the field and a team unifier with a giving, generous heart who helped teammates and the community more than most people know

Before joining the Ravens as a free agent in 1997, Siragusa spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Indianapolis Colts.

Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted that he was "heart broken as is all of Colts Nation." Irsay added in a follow-up tweet that, "The Goose squeezed 200 fun loving years into 55!!"

Said kicker Matt Stover: "I truly believe that the Super Bowl XXXV team would have never been as good as it was without Tony.

He not only plugged up the middle, but his locker room presence created a loose environment when things were tight. He will be missed, but not forgotten."