The Baltimore Ravens have reached out to former players who have pursued coaching, providing them with commemorative whistles inscribed with their names and accompanied by a lanyard marking the franchise’s 30th anniversary. This gesture is intended to honor 142 former Ravens now involved in coaching at various levels of football.
Included in each box was a message from the team: “As a Raven on and off the field, you have proven what it means to lead with heart, grit and determination. You have demonstrated the highest standard of excellence and commitment to yourself and to those who surround you. (…) Now, as a coach, you are achieving something even greater — shaping young athletes, building character and sharing the core values that led you to your dream of playing in the NFL.”
Matt Little, director of legacy engagement for the Ravens, noted that initial plans were set for only 50 whistles but grew after feedback from surveys sent to former players. “The whistles are just a small token from the Ravens to let our legends know we are thinking about them as they start their seasons, we are proud of them, and we are cheering for them on and off the field,” Little said.
Among those recognized is Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinee Ed Reed, currently serving as offensive coordinator at Chamblee High School in Georgia. Reed shared his perspective on coaching: “I was always around players and coaches. My dad and [my family] were players and coaches, so I already knew [how] to be a player and a coach. Coaching is just in me.”
Other notable recipients include Torrey Smith, Zach Orr, Deion Sanders, and Jim Harbaugh.
Smith reflected on his experience coaching youth football: “It’s been fun. It’s been rewarding. If you had told me when I retired that I would spend as much time doing this, I would’ve said absolutely not. But it’s something that I’ve really enjoyed, being able to share the game with the kids, and even more than that, share the lessons with them about understanding what the game meant for me.”
This effort underscores ongoing connections between former Baltimore Ravens players and both their previous organization and future generations within football.
