Tony Siragusa: Goose Flights

2/28/2023

In June of last year, at 55 years old, former defensive tackle of the Baltimore Ravens, Tony Siragusa passed unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. Siragusa was affectionately known by his teammates as “Goose” and fans got to know his witty personality on season 1 of the NFL’s “Hard Knocks”.

Last year “Goose” Siragusa spoke with those close to him about his wishes of creating a charity. He wanted to fund dream vacations and trips for hospitalized children and their families. His family was able to realize this vision with “Goose Flights”. 

Their first act went to the family of 23 year old Cayden Winstead, who suffered brain impact trauma in a fall accident that impared his functions. Winstead lost the ability to speak, walk and see clearly. However Winstead fortunately slowly recovered well, beyond the doctors expectations. The Winsteads were the first family to be touted by “Goose Flights” as they celebrated Cayden’s recovery with a trip to this years superbowl. 

Daughter of Tony Siragusa, Sammi Siragusa led the program and project. She praised Cayden for his perseverance "They didn't give up, and you can look back on a year and see what happens when you have faith and perseverance," She explained her father’s mantra, "You don't give up, and that's one thing my dad would say all the time: Don't give up. That is Cayden, that is his story, that is his family's story. All the hard work he's put in for all of these months, to find the strength to start moving, all of that determination has led him here." It is clear that Tony’s ideas and passion live on through his family as they touch the lives of many.

The Siragusa family traveled together with the Winstead family to the superbowl. The superbowl was an emotional place for Sammi, as it brought back memoires of going with her late father. However she was happy share those feelings through Goose Flights, “To do it without him is really hard, but I just know that he's here with us, guiding us, and he's led me to Cayden… To be able to do the things that I've done with my dad, and now do them with Cayden and the Winsteads, it's been extremely special."

The superbowl trip also included an exclusive tour. They met tight end Darren Waller, TV host Colin Cowherd, former tight end Greg Olsen, and former running back O.J Anderson. They also notably met Tony’s old teammate and friend, Shannon Sharpe as his show “Undisputed” wrapped up their taping. Shannon and Sharpe famously had an unserious and light hearted conflict in the first season of “Hard Knocks”. In the reality show following the 2001 ravens in training camp, Sharpe leaves to open the door of the tight ends trailer which “Goose” has locked. Sharpe spoke of his old friend “Goose” foundly, "He was the most fun-loving guy to be around, and his heart and his personality was as big as his body. If you only spent a day or even an hour with Goose, to be around him, you understood what a giant personality and great person he was."

Siragusa’s story illustrates one of football’s greatest powers, the ability to positively impact many of those who do not even play the game. Football is an experience and festivity, and as Sammi recalled, the superbowls she would attend with her dad were profound to her. The superbowl also served as a joyous break from medical stresses for the Winstead family. Football in this way provides many with unique and memorable experiences with loved ones.

The “Goose Flights” operation is just beginning but the Siragusa’s wish to partner with numerous hospitals to link them up suitable families experiencing medical hardships. They declared they wanted to be the premier organization patients would go to when looking for such opportunities as the ones they provide. Sammi shared, "We have big goals. We want to have our own private jet that we're able to transport everybody on. Part of my dad's vision was to get a jet, have it wrapped as a football with Goose Flight's logo on it, and he wanted purple snakeskin interior." Still after his passing, Tony Goose Siragusa’s personality, sense of humor, wit and kind hearted spirit live on through his families actions and in the memories of those he was close with.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Works Cited

Auman, Greg. "Tony Siragusa's giving spirit lives on through 'Goose Flights' charity." Fox 

     Sports.com, 11 Feb. 2023, www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/ 

     tony-siragusas-giving-spirit-lives-on-through-goose-flights-charity.