Football History

Born September 11, 1978, in St. Rose, Louisiana, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Safety Ed Reed. The legend was was one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, all with the Baltimore Ravens, and helped the team win a Super Bowl in 2000.

Reed was known for his incredible range and ball skills. He had a knack for being in the right place at the right time and making interceptions. He also had a knack for returning interceptions for touchdowns.

Reed was a nine-time Pro Bowler, a six-time All-Pro, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. He also holds the NFL record for most career interceptions returned for touchdowns (10).

Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Born August 9, 1967, in Fort Myers, Florida was Deion Sanders was a defensive back from Florida that is enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In the NFL he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons then later played for the Cowboys, 49ers and Washington.

Sanders flair and athleticism put him in the spotlight right out of the gate on his career and earned him the nickname "Primetime." He was not only a great coverage and ball hawking corner but his kick return skills made for an exciting play every time he touched the ball. He was so electric with his hands on the ball that the Cowboys often played him on the offensive side of the ball as well. Sanders combined on 513 tackles, 493 solo, one sack, 53 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles, 13 fumbles recovered, nine defensive touchdowns as well as 60 receptions for 784 yards and three touchdowns, 212 punt returns for 2,199 yards and six touchdowns, 155 kick returns for 3,523 yards and three touchdowns.

After football, he went on to work for the NFL Network as a commentator on many of their shows. He has been a head coach at Jackson State and Colorado.

Brace yourselves, Flock faithful, for we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the electrifying annals of the Baltimore Ravens. This isn't just a tale of touchdowns and tackles; it's a saga of resilience, reinvention, and a city's unwavering passion for pigskin.

Born from the ashes of betrayal, the Ravens took flight in 1996, inheriting the void left by the Colts' controversial departure. Baltimore, a city steeped in football lore, embraced these winged warriors with unflinching devotion. The name, echoing Edgar Allan Poe's haunting masterpiece, was a potent symbol – a dark, intelligent predator ready to soar above the competition.

And soar they did. Under the fiery leadership of coach Ted Marchibroda and the swagger of quarterback Vinny Testaverde, the Ravens quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Ray Lewis, a defensive dynamo, became the heart and soul of the team, his electrifying presence and thunderous tackles earning him the nickname "The Raven."

The year 2000 witnessed the team's defining moment: Super Bowl XXXV. With Lewis's iconic pregame dance fueling the fire, the Ravens decimated the New York Giants, etching their name on the Lombardi Trophy in just their fifth season. This wasn't just a victory; it was a declaration of Baltimore's unwavering spirit, a testament to a city that refused to be counted out.

But the Ravens' story isn't just about Super Bowls. It's about the unwavering dedication of Flacco's arm, the electrifying speed of Rice, and the clutch kicks of Tucker. It's about the roar of the fans at M&T Bank Stadium, a sea of purple united in their love for the team.

This series will be our roadmap through this storied franchise. We'll relive the epic battles, celebrate the iconic players, and delve into the moments that have cemented the Ravens' place in Baltimore's heart. So, put on your purple jersey, grab a Natty Boh, and join us as we take flight with the Baltimore Ravens. The journey promises to be unforgettable, a testament to a team that, like Poe's raven, forever echoes through the city's soul.

Lamar Jackson isn't your typical NFL quarterback. He's a dynamic force, a dual-threat magician who has redefined the position with his electrifying blend of passing and rushing prowess. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Jackson's meteoric rise has seen him shatter records and become a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the age of 26.

Jackson's collegiate career at Louisville was a glimpse of things to come. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2016, showcasing his uncanny ability to scramble for yards while possessing a strong enough arm to dissect defenses. However, questions lingered about his accuracy and traditional pocket presence. The Ravens, intrigued by his unique skillset, selected him with the last pick in the first round, a gamble that has paid off handsomely.

Initially used as a backup, Jackson seized his opportunity due to an injury and never looked back. His electrifying running style, often reminiscent of a running back, bewildered defenses. In 2019, his dazzling play culminated in a historic MVP campaign. He shattered the single-season rushing record for quarterbacks, proving his rushing ability wasn't just a gimmick, but a weapon that opened up the passing game. His pinpoint accuracy also improved, silencing doubters.

Jackson's impact extends beyond statistics. He's become a symbol of a new era in quarterback play, where mobility and athleticism are valued alongside traditional passing skills. He's forced defenses to adapt, creating a chess match between his improvisation and defensive schemes. His success has paved the way for a new generation of dual-threat quarterbacks entering the league.

However, questions remain about Jackson's long-term health with his rushing style. Additionally, further development in his pocket presence will be crucial for sustained success. Regardless, Lamar Jackson's impact on the game is undeniable. He's a captivating player, a two-time MVP, and a true innovator at the quarterback position. His story is far from over, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in the remarkable career of Lamar Jackson.

Steve McNair, nicknamed "Air McNair," wasn't your typical NFL quarterback. He wasn't just a pocket passer with a golden arm. McNair was a dual-threat dynamo, a gunslinger with wheels, who carved his path into football history with a unique blend of passing prowess and rushing ability.

Steve McNair seen in the #9 purple jersey Courtesy of Keith Allison of Baltimore via Wikimedia Commons

Born February 14, 1973 in Mt Olive, MS - McNair's journey began at Alcorn State University, a historically Black college. There, he shattered FCS records, amassing over 16,000 yards of total offense and finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1994. Despite his impressive college career, some questioned his ability to translate his success to the professional level. However, the Houston Oilers (later Tennessee Titans) saw his potential and drafted him third overall in 1995.

McNair's arrival in the NFL coincided with the rise of the "run and shoot" offense, a perfect fit for his skillset. He became a maestro of the offense, dissecting defenses with laser-sharp throws and using his mobility to escape pressure and extend plays. His scrambling ability was a constant threat, adding a dangerous wrinkle to the Titans' attack.

McNair's impact was immediate. He led the Titans to the playoffs in five of his first eight seasons, culminating in a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999. Though they fell short against the St. Louis Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf," McNair had established himself as an elite quarterback.

In 2003, McNair reached the pinnacle of his career, sharing the NFL MVP award with Peyton Manning. He threw for over 3,200 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for another 600 yards, showcasing his all-around dominance.

McNair's later years were marked by injuries and a shift in offensive philosophy. He finished his career with the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2008.

Steve McNair's legacy extends beyond statistics and accolades. He was a pioneer for dual-threat quarterbacks, paving the way for players like Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson. His scrambling ability forced defenses to adjust their strategies, making the game more dynamic and exciting for fans.

However, McNair's story is not without its complexities. His tragic passing in 2009 left a void in the football world. Yet, his impact on the game remains undeniable. Steve McNair, the "Air McNair," will forever be remembered as a quarterback who defied expectations, redefined the position, and left his mark on the gridiron with a trailblazing blend of brains and brawn.