Ravens legends revel in a unique opportunity to reconnect with the franchise
Most of us will never know the camaraderie that exists in a Baltimore Ravens locker room. We'll never know the anguish that comes from needing to walk away. How does one determine they're done playing a game they have enjoyed since they were kids?
Every Raven makes that decision at some point. If they're lucky, hopefully, they do so voluntarily, because this game we all love has a long history of retiring players before they're willing.
That's when new phases and new chapters begin. What's next? … That's the question guys sometimes ask themselves.
Often, they move on from the game and adjust fairly well, but the love never leaves. Baltimore's player personnel department understands that, and to their credit, they did something about it. They reached out to some former Ravens with a unique opportunity.
They hosted a virtual Legends Scout School. 21 former Ravens were invited. Two spoke with the official team website to discuss their experiences. What they shared will undoubtedly put a smile on everyone's faces.
21 former Ravens come home to explore a new avenue leading them back to the game they love
No Ravens die-hard will forget that final goal-line stand in Super Bowl 47. The San Francisco 49ers were turned away, leading to Baltimore's second Lombardi Trophy.
Former Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith played a huge role in securing victory on a night often remembered for a power outage. He was one of the 21 former Ravens recently given a crash course on what it takes to run a front office.
Former wide receiver Marcus Williams was also present, as were Antwan Barnes, Levi Brown, and Earnest Byner. Rounding out the rest of the list were Chris Chester, Tre Stallings, Jason McKie, Aaron Mellette, Quentin Neujahr, Michael Pierce, Matt Skura, Travis Taylor, Terrence West, Kenny Young, Jeremy Zuttah, Terrence Copper Jr., Prince Daniels, Steve Edwards, Jared Gaither, and Terry Jones.
According to Ravens.com, the guys were taught about the roles of a player personnel assistant by Director of Player Personnel Mark Azevedo. Director of College Scouting Andrew Raphael discussed the scouting process. Assistant Director of Pro Personnel Corey Frazier and Vice President of Football Administration Nick Matteo taught the pro scouting process and discussed salary cap and contract management.
BaltimoreRavens.com reports that Director of Legacy Engagement Matt Little organized the event in tandem with the Ravens' player personnel department. He puts it best.
"The commitment of our Player Personnel department to spearhead an event like this for our former players speaks to the family-oriented culture at the Ravens. Once you're a Raven, you're forevermore."
Who could disagree with that? Here's a tip of the cap to a great job done by everyone. Fingers are crossed. Hopefully, what these Ravens legends learned will lead to opportunities to re-enter the game they all love.
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