Former NFL player Bill Ferrario, who starred at Wisconsin before playing for the Green Bay Packers, has died unexpectedly. He was 47 years old.
Ferrario, a native of Scranton, Pa., died at his home in Wisconsin two days after celebrating his 47th birthday, according to The Scranton Times-Tribune.
Bill Ferrario earned All-Big Ten honors twice during his time with the Badgers, including first-team honors in 1999. He started 50 games during his time at Wisconsin and was a four-year starter.
He went on to be selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He also spent time with the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers during his NFL career.
Wisconsin Athletics caught up with Ferrario back in 2009 and he shared what he was doing after his football career ended.
“My wife and I decided that we wanted to settle down close to family. We moved back to Wausau to be close to my wife’s family. I have been selling real estate and pursuing a career in the medical sales industry,” he said at the time.
Ferrario helped the Badgers win a pair of Rose Bowls during his college career, blocking for star running back Ron Dayne.
The 1999 Heisman Trophy winner posted on Facebook about Ferrario’s death.
“Words can’t even explain how I feel about losing my teammate and friend, Bill Ferrario,” Dayne said. “When I found out it was a shock and I’m still trying to process it all. Even though it was so long ago that we all played together, the team was like a family to me. They were like brothers that I never had.
“We all grew up and have our own paths, but it’s times like these that make you realize how important it is to check up on your people. … I can’t imagine what his kids and family are going through. Much love to them all and much love to everyone else who is hurting right now.”
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