Latest news with #MarcusWilliams
Travel Weekly
01-07-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
KHM Travel Group names advisor to lead its diversity efforts
KHM Travel Group has named travel advisor Marcus Williams its new DE&I specialist. The role was designed to strengthen the Brunswick, Ohio-based host agency's diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, according to KHM, No. 42 on Travel Weekly's Power List. Marcus Williams Photo Credit: KHM Travel Group Williams will lead KHM's existing DE&I Committee and will plan and host its quarterly meetings. He will also work with suppliers and other industry partners with DEI initiatives. He will also be tasked with contributing to KHM's DE&I Resource Library and make DE&I Minute presentations during monthly staff meetings in addition to finding new ways to engage diverse groups of travel advisors. • Focus on LGBTQ+ Travel: A chill in the air for Pride Additionally, Williams will head KHM's Bipoc Agent Resource Group. The group provides a place for advisors who are people of color to network and communicate with one another. Williams is the founder of the agency Impressive Travels in Houston. He was named KHM's 2024 DE&I in Action Agent of the Year and a Diamond Pinnacle Agent. "We started our DE&I journey back in 2017, and thanks to the dedication and perspectives of travel advisors like Marcus, we have seen industrywide progress, specifically in consumer advertising and marketing resources offered," KHM president and CEO Rick Zimmerman said in a statement. "We know there is still a lot of work to be done and are confident that Marcus is the perfect person to collaborate with our team to continue making a positive change for greater diversity, equity and inclusion in travel."
New York Times
16-06-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Assessing Ravens' pending roster competitions ahead of minicamp
Eleven of the top 12 Ravens in offensive snaps last year remain on Baltimore's roster, with the exception being 17-game starting offensive lineman Patrick Mekari, who signed with Jacksonville in free agency. Ten of the 12 leaders in defensive snaps also return, and safety Marcus Williams, one of the two who doesn't (cornerback Brandon Stephens is the other), was a healthy scratch for the final month-plus of the 2024 season. Advertisement Most of the Ravens' offseason departures were reserves or role players who were replaced by select free-agent signings and an 11-man draft class. Injuries are always a threat, and the Ravens already took a hit when defensive back Ar'Darius Washington tore his Achilles during a workout last month. Otherwise, at least on paper, the Ravens won't start training camp next month with too many spots unaccounted for on their regular-season roster, never mind questions about their projected starters. Just look at the wide receiver position, where the Ravens traditionally have a few jobs to win. Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins are entrenched as the top three with Tylan Wallace, a core special-teamer who played 275 offensive snaps last year, and 2024 fourth-round pick Devontez Walker, who's looked like one of the team's most improved players in the offseason workouts, behind them. If the Ravens take a sixth receiver, it will likely be a punt returner, possibly sixth-round rookie LaJohntay Wester. That doesn't mean Wester won't ultimately contribute on offense, but his path to the 53-man roster is through a return role. Cooper Rush is Lamar Jackson's new backup, and the Ravens' highly productive tight end group is intact from last year. As long as Keaton Mitchell is healthy, the Ravens are set with their top three running backs, too, and the only question would be if they keep a fourth. Arguably, the team's two biggest starting position battles this summer will be at left guard and inside linebacker. The favorites to win those spots began the 2024 season as starters. Still, depth is critically important for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, and this week's mandatory minicamp, which starts Tuesday, will provide the most extensive look yet at Baltimore's roster. It will also preview some of the roster decisions that will need to be made later this summer. Advertisement Below are some of the more intriguing ones. The competitors: Ben Cleveland, Andrew Vorhees The favorite: Vorhees The Ravens could have other younger linemen emerge as options, but it would be surprising if the Week 1 starter isn't Vorhees. He started the opener last year before ultimately losing his job, partly due to an ankle injury. Given another opportunity in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns, Vorhees looked like a different player, which was an encouraging sign for the team's decision-makers. Cleveland is entering his fifth season in Baltimore, and it seems clear the coaching staff doesn't see him as an every-week starter or he would have gotten that opportunity by now. Also, Cleveland is subject to potential league discipline for his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in February. Third-round pick Emery Jones Jr. could become an option at some point, but he's already missed a ton of important reps as he recovers from a shoulder injury. The Ravens have also maintained that they are initially focused on evaluating him at tackle, his natural position. The competitors: Corey Bullock, Ben Cleveland, Darrian Dalcourt, Garrett Dellinger, Joseph Noteboom, Nick Samac, Carson Vinson The favorites: Cleveland, Dellinger, Noteboom, Vinson The Ravens typically carry nine or 10 offensive linemen, and this season figures to be no different. Operating under the assumption that the starting offensive line will be Ronnie Stanley, Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele and Roger Rosengarten, and that Jones will occupy one of the reserve roles, and that leaves three or four spots to be filled. Baltimore likes having an experienced swing tackle, so Noteboom, who has made 35 career starts, is close to a lock. Vinson and Dellinger are rookie Day 3 draft picks, so they'll get every opportunity to earn a spot. The team seemed particularly excited about getting Dellinger in the seventh round. If Cleveland has to serve a suspension, that would create another opening. Advertisement The competitors: Malik Hamm, Adisa Isaac, David Ojabo The favorite: Isaac Keeping six outside linebackers would be prohibitive to the rest of the roster, so something has to give here. The Ravens return starters Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh, who both had double-digit sacks last year, and Tavius Robinson, who the coaches love. They then added second-round pick Mike Green, one of the better edge rushers in the draft. It seems highly unlikely that they'd move on this early from Isaac, a third-round pick last year who barely played as a rookie because of injuries. Coach John Harbaugh spoke excitedly about him last week. That would leave Ojabo, a second-round pick in 2022 who has struggled to find his NFL footing, and Hamm, a local product who has stuck around the past two years, on the outside looking in. The competitors: Teddye Buchanan, Trenton Simpson The favorite: Simpson Harbaugh said he fully expects Simpson to start alongside Roquan Smith on early downs, but that was before the Ravens used a fourth-round pick on Buchanan, an intriguing prospect. Still, Simpson remains the favorite. After losing his starting job late last season, Simpson worked hard this offseason and has shown he has an even better grasp of Baltimore's defense. He essentially has a two-year head start on Buchanan, but the rookie has the tools and athleticism to flash early. The Ravens likely won't be in their base defense too often, so whoever wins this job may not play a ton of snaps. The competitors: Jalyn Armour-Davis, Chidobe Awuzie, Bilhal Kone, Robert Longerbeam, T.J. Tampa The favorites: Awuzie, Tampa The Ravens love loading the field with defensive backs, meaning there should be snaps available for corners not named Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. Awuzie played just eight games last year for the Tennessee Titans. The Ravens faced him for years in Cincinnati and have a lot of respect for his game. He was signed with the No. 3 cornerback role in mind. Tampa, though, is a guy the team is high on. The 2024 fourth-round pick barely got on the field because of injuries during his rookie season, but the Ravens love his size and length and expect him to contribute defensively this year. Baltimore felt really good about getting both Kone and Longerbeam late on Day 3 of the draft, yet it would be a lot to ask for rookie sixth-round picks to secure an immediate role with a veteran group. Adding free agent Jaire Alexander would change the complexion of things at cornerback. The competitors: Beau Brade, Sanoussi Kane The favorite: Kane It's possible the team's No. 3 safety in September isn't currently on the roster. There are quite a few free-agent safeties still available, including Justin Simmons, Julian Blackmon and Quandre Diggs. Washington's injury — he will miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season — has left the Ravens thin at the position. It's also possible they envision a natural corner, such as Awuzie or Armour-Davis, stepping into that role, particularly if Baltimore signs another cornerback in the coming weeks. Advertisement Of the in-house options, Kane may make the most sense. A core special-teamer last year, Kane looks to have leaned up this offseason and was around the football a good amount during OTAs. It would also be foolish to count out Brade, an undrafted free agent last year who looked the part when given opportunities to play in the preseason. Brade sustained an ankle injury last week, but he should be ready by training camp. The competitors: John Hoyland, Tyler Loop The favorite: Loop Both rookie kickers had good days and bad days during OTAs, setting the stage for what will likely be the most scrutinized position battle of training camp. Loop, the sixth-round pick out of Arizona, will get every opportunity to win the job. He was the guy senior special teams coach and kicking guru Randy Brown wanted after an exhaustive evaluation of the draft-eligible kickers. By all accounts, Loop was kicking really well before he missed 4 of 9 attempts — all from 50-plus yards — with owner Steve Bisciotti looking on at the final OTA last week. Meanwhile, Hoyland, an undrafted rookie out of Wyoming, made all six of his attempts a day earlier. Brown and the Ravens won't overreact to one practice. Loop is still the favorite heading into training camp, but Hoyland seems intent on making this a legitimate competition. The competitors: Kickoff return — Rasheen Ali, Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, LaJohntay Wester Punt return — Anthony Miller, Dayton Wade, Tylan Wallace, Wester The favorites: Kickoff return — Mitchell Punt return — Wester Mitchell, who is much healthier and confident now than he was when returning from a significant injury last season, made clear last week that he wants the kick return job. Harbaugh also acknowledged that team officials noted the success of running backs under the new kickoff return rules last year. Using the explosive Mitchell on returns would be a good way for the Ravens to get the ball in his hands a few more times a game. Advertisement They drafted Wester in the sixth round out of Colorado because of his return ability. He averaged 12.0 yards per punt return and took two of his 23 returns over his final two college seasons back for touchdowns. A late-round rookie won't have a long leash, so Wester is going to have to display good ball security and decision-making. If he falters, Wallace could be the contingency plan. (Top photo of Trenton Simpson: Mark Konezny / Imagn Images)
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens legends revel in a unique opportunity to reconnect with the franchise
Ravens legends revel in a unique opportunity to reconnect with the franchise 21 Ravens legends return and receive an inside look at running an NFL 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 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. 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.
USA Today
01-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Ravens gain $6.3M of cap space thanks to June 1 designations
Ravens gain $6.3M of cap space thanks to June 1 designations The Baltimore Ravens gain $6.3 million in salary cap space with the release of Justin Tucker and Marcus Williams under June 1 designations. It's not the official start of summer in the NFL, but June 1 is a massive date around the league and will likely play a factor in several players moving on or teams taking a risk on a considerable trade. In NFL terminology, June 1 is the final day that teams see all future prorated money accelerate as 'dead money' if a player is released. Teams like the Ravens and others around the NFL will also gain salary cap space, as any player designated for a post-June one release earlier this year will move from the active roster to the dead money side of the books. Baltimore released Marcus Williams and Justin Tucker for performance issues. That salary cap relief will kick in today. June 1 impact June 1 marks the final day of the NFL calendar when a player is cut or traded; any future bonus money accelerates into the 2025 league year. Starting tomorrow, the rules allow the team to defer all that acceleration to 2025 if they release a player. June 2nd also marks when the NFL will officially process the post-June 1 designations. Starting Thursday, June 2, any released player will only have his current season's prorated money count against the salary cap, and the rest will be deferred to 2026. Marcus Williams The Ravens released Marcus Williams before the start of free agency. According to Over The Cap, Williams' cap numbers drop from $8.13 million to $6.03 million in 2025. He will also count for $6.03 million in 2026. Justin Tucker By releasing Justin Tucker after the NFL draft with a post-June 1 designation, his cap number drops from $7.0725 to $2.8725 million. The team will have $4.645 million in dead money in 2026. Michael Pierce Pierce is retiring, but leaves the Ravens with $667,000 in dead money and $1,255,000 cap savings. What is dead cap money in the NFL? Dead money, which is also known as "dead cap space" or simply "dead cap." Dead money is a salary cap charge for a player no longer on a team's roster. Typically, it stems from guaranteed money already given to a player in the form of signing bonuses, who is either released, traded, or retires. In the event that the team and player part ways before the end of the contract, whether it's via a release, trade, or retirement, the remaining prorated bonus accelerates onto the team's current salary cap. That creates the dead money charge, which ensures the total value of the contract paid by the team matches the overall cap charges the player accrued while with the organization. According to Over The Cap, Baltimore will carry $20,392,396 in dead money. Odell Beckham Jr.$8,301,000 Ronnie Stanley$8,168,250 Nelson Agholor$3,283,000 Arthur Maulet$250,000 Damarion Williams$126,084 Devin Leary$103,791 TOTAL $20,392,396
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2025 Baltimore Ravens free agency, offseason tracker: Latest signings, trades
After reaching the AFC Divisional Round, the Ravens have their work cut out for them in building their 2025 roster as they look to get over their postseason woes and build a team that can cross the threshold and into the Super Bowl. Currently, the Ravens sit at $10.54 million in cap space, with $7.5 million in 'effective cap space,' according to It won't be easy to navigate free agency when they have the seventh-lowest amount of cap space. It will also be a challenge as the Ravens have a few of their key players as free agents, and other teams are showing interest in them. Advertisement This is a live, updating post to keep track of each of Baltimore's moves in a busy offseason. It's also a nice resource to look back and see how the Ravens did over the previous offseasons (2024, 2023, 2022). Additions Signed by the Ravens WR DeAndre Hopkins — Signed a one-year, $5 million deal LB/ST Jake Hummel — Signed a one-year deal QB Cooper Rush — Signed a two-year, $6.2 million deal CB Chidobe Awuzie — Signed a one-year, minimum deal Players acquired via trade N/A Ravens released CB Arthur Maulet — Announcement S Marcus Williams — Announcement Ravens traded N/A Ravens Contracts Restructured/Extensions CB Marlon Humphrey — Max restructure RB Derrick Henry — Signed a two-year, $30 million deal Ravens' free agents Re-signed LT Ronnie Stanley — Re-signed a three-year, $60 million deal FB Patrick Ricard — Re-signed a one-year deal WR Tylan Wallace — Re-signed to a one-year deal OL Ben Cleveland — Re-signed S Ar'Darius Washington — Signed tender Signed elsewhere OL Patrick Mekari — Signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Jaguars CB Brandon Stephens — Signed a three-year, $36 million deal with the Jets LB Malik Harrison — Signed a two-year, $10 million deal with the Steelers LB Chris Board — Signed a two-year deal worth up to $6 million with Giants OT Josh Jones— Signed a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million with Seahawks LB Kristian Welch — Signed with the Green Bay Packers CB Tre'Davious White — Signed with the Buffalo Bills WR Diontae Johnson — Signed with Cleveland Browns WR Qadir Ismail — Signed with Las Vegas Raiders WR Steven Sims — Signed with Seattle Seahawks Retired NT Michael Pierce — Announcement Remain unsigned WR Nelson Agholor WR Deonte Harty CB Trayvon Mullen DE Brent Urban CB Arthur Maulet S Marcus Williams RFAs, ERFAs RB Owen Wright (ERFA) — Was not tendered CB Christian Matthew (RFA) — Was not tendered Future deal signings QB Devin Leary TE Zaire Mitchell-Paden DE Adedayo Odeleye DT Basil Okoye OT Corey Bullock DE C.J. Ravenell WR Dayton Wade WR Malik Cunningham WR Keith Kirkwood OL Darrian Dalcourt LB William Kwenkeu More from
