Ravens mourn sudden death of former RB Lorenzo Taliaferro
The Baltimore Ravens were deeply saddened and are grieving after finding out that former Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro passed away at just 28 years old on Wednesday from a heart attack, according to a family member via a local news station.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lorenzo Taliaferro,” Head Coach John Harbaugh stated. “Lorenzo was a kind, smart, respectful, and determined young man – someone always committed to his teammates and well-liked by everyone in our organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lorenzo’s family. May he rest in peace.”
Taliaferro drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Coastal Carolina and played three seasons in Baltimore from 2014-2016.
In his senior season with the Chanticleers, he rushed for 1,729 yards and 27 touchdowns and was named the Big South Offensive Player of the Year.
He showed flashes of promise early on in his career and when he was healthy, he brought a physical element to Baltimore’s backfield. At 6-foot and 232 pounds, he was built like a tank and even transition to fullback in 2017 before being released in the final round of cuts following training camp.
His best game as a pro came in Week Three of his rookie season against the Cleveland Browns where he rushed for 91 yards on 18 carries and scored a touchdown. He finished that year with 292 yards and four touchdowns rushing and caught eight passes for 114 yards in 13 games.
Injuries hampered and ultimately derailed Taliaferro’s career in the NFL. He tumbled down to third on the running back depth chart behind veteran Justin Forsett and rookie Javorius Allen the following year and was placed on injured reserve midway through October with a lingering foot injury.
The foot injury delayed his ability to be ready for the start of the 2016 season and he wound up being placed on injured reserve after just three games.
He signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in 2018 and tried to make the transition to the defensive side of the ball before being released.
