How I became a Baltimore Raven's fan is quite the simple, though unlikely,story. I was raised in Utah County and have always loved watching college sports, most prominently Football. I grew up in a family that was mostly Brigham Young University fans, as were most all of my neighbors. As I grew older due to the example of a mentor I fell in love with their rival, The University of Utah. (To the dismay of many of my family members and neighbors) I became obsessed with their sports program and when "The Holy War" happened the whole block knew if the Utes had won as I'd be the guy running outside screaming and hollering. (Needless to say when they lost I got it shoved back at me pretty good too)
When I watch sports I especially love following specific players. Such was the case in 2008 when The Utes had an undefeated season and beat Alabama handily in the Sugar Bowl. There were three players that I loved to watch play the game and who all had spectacular seasons in that undefeated campaign. One went undrafted and the other two were Paul Kruger and David Reed.
Of course as you probably remember Paul Kruger and David Reed were both drafted by the Ravens the following year, and up to this point I HATED the NFL. I hated how much money was involved (still do in many cases) and I never felt like the players really had as much of a passion as the college level players did. I decided to strictly follow Kruger and Reed. For that reason I started watching the Ravens play and very soon couldn't stop. Reed may have had a rough start and an eventual cut and Kruger may not be on the team anymore, but Purple pulses through my veins now. I took the fact that of the 3 players I followed most, the odds of two of them being drafted to the Ravens were slim enough to consider it a sign. I'm glad I took the hint.
