How and when did you FIRST become a Baltimore Ravens fan?

[January J]

People- it's a rainy day in Baltimore right now. Obviously this year hasn't gone as we had planned; injuries have devastated us once again; we have gotten the short end of the stick and been apart of some of the biggest fluke plays you'll ever see. It's hard to be positive right now, but in times like this we need to come together. We have to be patient- and Before you know it the darkness will turn into sunshine. We are in good hands guys. Don't forget that.

I'm sure this has been done before- but in light of all the negativity around raven nation and with new members cycling in every day- I thought it was a good time for it.

When did you FIRST become a raven fan?

When I was little I was always a Dan Marino fan. I rooted for him every year, but I was never really a fan of the team. I liked don Shula as well, but didn't really like the ownership or any of the other players. My dad was always a huge Redskins fan- so I rooted for them as well...but never considered myself a fan. I wanted to find a team that I loved inside and out- and I had hoped the Dolphins would eventually become that team. Until then I considered them my favorite just by default. My aunt knew I loved Dan Marino - and we lived in Virginia so for an early birthday present she took me to a Dolphins- Ravens game. It was October 19th, 1997. ( I still have the program.) I was 9 years old and so excited and thrilled to see my first nfl game. Well the Dolphins won the game 24-13. Nothing spectacular happened, however I do remember seeing Ray Lewis on the sidelines just screaming his butt off. even when the game was pretty much over he never let up- and I could tell he just had so much passion. Something the Dolphins never had. Anyway I didn't think too much of it at the time. We made our way out the stadium, but my aunt took me around to where the dolphin players were loading onto their bus. She wanted to try and get me an autograph from Dan Marino. I remember sitting on top of her shoulders and seeing him walk in my direction. I started yelling his name and he looked right at me- and then kept walking and completely faded me. He got onto the bus without giving any autographs. Not a huge deal- but at the time as a child I was devastated. Some of the Ravens players were off to the side and just as we were about to leave , I yelled something and immediately one of the Ravens approached me. I asked if he could sign my program and he said "of course buddy" .. Keep in mind I was completely decked out in Dolphins gear from head to toe. His name was Rondell jones. I had no idea who he was at the time but I really didn't care. I just thought it was so awesome. I had such a good experience in Baltimore and loved the stadium so much that I really started to fall in love with the team. I remembered how passionate Ray Lewis was even in the face of defeat- and to me that's who the Ravens were and still are. They are fighters and they've got HEART- regardless of the circumstances. Well it wasn't too long after that my parents divorced - and my mother actually moved to Baltimore. I started learning About the organization and Ozzie newsome and only fell in love with them more. From then on it was all she wrote. I had officially converted and become a diehard raven fan. It's important not to forget where we came from- and in times like this we have to remember who we are. This organization is something special , we are strong and resilient. one bad season isn't going to change that. Stay tuned people, keep the faith and be patient- Because Baltimore WILL be back very soon.

Edited October 27, 2015 by January J

[RavensFanOfLA]

I've noticed hat there has been a lot of ravens fans in florida anyone know why?

[TheGuild]

i guess it had to be the logo and uniforms. always loved the black and purple. i'm a long time Colts fan, but the Ravens have always been my #2 and i appreciated the Baltimore connection with the franchise. (sorry about that whole moving out in the middle of the night thing)

[03tsal]

I became a Ravens fan from the very beginning of their inception.  I had been a Cleveland Brown fan & when Model brought the team to Baltimore, I followed suit.  It wasn't the Cleveland uniforms nor the city that I rooted for, it was the players.  When the players left Cleveland, so did I.  I don't root for a team strictly because I live in their city--Baaaaaaaaaaa.  I am a Baltimore Ravens fan, a Detroit Piston fan, & a SF Giant fan.  I live in Florida, formally from N.Y. 

[slangin_birds]

well, considering that at the time of our inception i was about 2 years old (born in 94) i guess you could say i havent been a fan that long in the grand scheme of things. believe it or not, it was my soccer loving father whos actually from mexico that got me into football. around the time of our first super bowl win, he was an owner of a sports bar called torinos (changed names like 3 times since he left). they had like some of the biggest screened tvs around, and i remember watching some ravens games there. he always was a ravens fan, and seeing how hyped everyone got when we won the super bowl really piqued my interest.

 

id say maybe around the time we traded for air mcnair was when i started really following the ravens, which led to me being a huge football fan in general. id buy all the draft magazines and read about prospects and whatnot, and everything about the sport intrigued me. i had played soccer and baseball my whole life, and was definitely pretty good at soccer, but i always played a lot more physically than other players. that led to me giving up baseball and playing lacrosse, and i loved the contact and knocking someone on their behind. i also played some football in high school, and it was cool to play linebacker and live out my madden fantasies. 

 

i would definitely say the highlight of my ravens fandom was our playoff run and subsequent super bowl win in 2012. just all the emotion surrounding it with it being ray lewis's "last ride" and whatnot made it that much better when we finally won. that game in denver, and specifically that pass to jacoby, is one i will remember for the rest of my life. shoot, i was literally almost in tears after that game!

Edited October 27, 2015 by slangin_birds

[Kid87]

Nfl Madden Club 98 for nintendo. PRIEST Holmes lol.. and grew a hatred for The Bus and The Steelers

[redrum52]

I've noticed hat there has been a lot of ravens fans in florida anyone know why?

Canes and Ray Lewis.  That's what got me.  From NY but had family in Florida.  Never rocked with the Giants or Jets.

[ravensfan520]

I live in ky and family from florida. I was orginally a Browns fan. When the browns went to baltimore and became the Ravens I followed. Also I am a big "U" fan from when I was a kid I wanted to play baseball for the U so I also gravitated to the Ravens because of Ray and Ed Reed. I aways hope we can draft a former cane whenever we have the chance such as Warford or Duke or Dorsett but really wanted Perryman (baby ray) (from last year)... maybe we can get Kaaya when he comes out... hence why I am ok with letting Flacco go and start building up the team with weapons for him when he gets there. I miss the old Ravens... a team with Swag like the old U days but both teams have lost it and its slowly killing me inside. Maybe we can get rid of Harbaugh and bring Johnson out of retirement and pull of a massive trade that could land us in football heaven like it did the cowboys.

Edited October 27, 2015 by ravensfan520

[ravensfan520]

I became a Ravens fan from the very beginning of their inception. I had been a Cleveland Brown fan & when Model brought the team to Baltimore, I followed suit. It wasn't the Cleveland uniforms nor the city that I rooted for, it was the players. When the players left Cleveland, so did I. I don't root for a team strictly because I live in their city--Baaaaaaaaaaa. I am a Baltimore Ravens fan, a Detroit Piston fan, & a SF Giant fan. I live in Florida, formally from N.Y.

I miss the swag of the Ravens when it was about passion and laying on the line every play. The only guy we have now that resembles that is SSS. Gonna miss him. Our TE also have a bit off that in them... and Yanda but if Suggs is let go after this year... and we are left with Joe as our leader I may have to jump ship. This team has no heart no passion and it starts with our supposed leader in Flacco. No emotion no swag no drive... maybe he has it but no one else on the team is feeding off of it like the old days. I was ok with losing in the past because I grew up a Browns fan but the old teams even if they were picked to lose were feared... this team not so much.

[IGwheaties_man]

I was what you call a late bloomer. I'm 18 years of age currently. Graduated from high school in 2014. 2010, the year we went 11-5 but lost in the divisional round to the eventual AFC representatives in the superbowl the Pittsburgh Steelers. Paid little attention in middle school to football. That was about 2007-2009 or 2008-2010 give or take. I bought a Ray Rice jersey from Walmart, didn't have alot of money on my own at the time, wore it the first day of high school. I wore that jersey alot. I was always interested in football but never was truly because I didn't understand it. So the day I filled out my schedule for freshman year, they told me tryouts for our team were the next day. But I didn't attend because I was not in shape, had no muscle whatsoever. Never got a chance to go out for it until the summer before Junior year because when I planned to train for the summer after freshman year, I had to attend summer school, which meant I couldn't be at workouts at the school. I was learning about football as I was training for it and fell in love with it. Quite coincidently, we won the Superbowl that year. And me myself, I've always been a regional man. If you aren't from (first) Maryland, or even the DMV area, as a team, I can't support you. Ravens diehard, Orioles fan (despite not fully understanding baseball just like I didn't at first with football), and Wizards fan (same problem as baseball year) but regardless of whatever, I go all out for the Ravens hands down. I knew these times would eventually come. If I wanted to win all the time I'd be a bandwagoner and just like every team that wins the Superbowl every year. But **** that, I bleed purple and black.

[berad]

Good topic.

I was never really into football before I became a die-hard Ravens fan. I played in the backyard and games like NFL Blitz, Backyard Football (lol), etc and watched on TV with my dad but was never that interested. Honestly, I liked the Jaguars because of their logo and color scheme, still do a little bit.

But watching the 2004 Ravens-Redskins game at a neighbors house changed that. It was an ugly, Ravens style game where Boller passed for 81 yds and 3 INTs on 18 attempts. The Ravens were down 10-0 at the half but came back to win with 17 unanswered points, highlighted by Ed Reed scoring on a strip-sack return, BJ Sams running a punt back for 78 yds, Deion Sanders getting a pick, bone-crushing hits by Ray Lewis, and Jamal Lewis and Chester Taylor rumbled for a combined 150+ to close the game out. That impressed me and it was a fun game to watch...

I've watched them ever since and, as I learned more, it meant more. The 2012 SB run was something to behold. Seeing the confetti drop in your home city and your favorite player dance into retirement as a champion. Wow! Some people never get that.

Brian Billick Wired from that game - http://www.baltimoreravens.com/videos/videos/Play-By-Play-2004-Ravens-at-Redskins/f7f8c03d-9d8c-4fe0-b522-80d998fa2ea6

[balfan23]

Born and raised in Baltimore - watching Unitas (his latter years) and the final glory days of the Colts. Left Baltimore in 1978, but that will always be where I am from. Lots of family there, so the connection to the town is still strong. 

 

Full disclosure .... I'll admit when the Ravens came along, I had already been in MN for a few years and took a liking to the Vikings. It took a few years of the Ravens being in existence before it took hold for me ... gradually as I heard my other family members being excited about the team. 

 

In 1998, when the Vikings were 15-1 (Moss' rookie year) I was very into them. They played the Ravens and I know (perish the thought) I rooted against them. It really felt wrong, but my thinking was, this Vikings team is historic right now and the Ravens were not going anywhere at that time, so why should I want them to spoil it. 

 

The NFC Championship game where the Vikings lost to the Falcons on that missed Gary Anderson FG stands as my worst non-Baltimore sporting event defeat. With the Ravens gaining strength and my connection with my excited family growing, I switched over and the Ravens became my #1. I moved back to the East Coast in 2005 and that has made it easier to get more excited about the Ravens. My passion for the Vikes has waned ... though I'll still root for either them or Carolina (my new home) in the NFC. 

[The Mom Gene]

Since the VERY BEGINNING....  Grew up a Colts fan.  I was so glad to get an NFL Team in Baltimore...

 

And I have to admit when Modell pulled that piece of paper out and said "Ladies and Gentlemen, it's the Baltimore Ravens"...  I thought...  HUH????  What????  Are you kidding????.    Now I wouldn't want it any other way.

 

I was born and raised in Owings Mills.  Moved to Florida in 1997.

 

I've lived on the West Coast of Florida;  Moved to the outskirts of San Diego; and moved back to the East Coast of Florida in 2002...  I just cannot, and will not bring myself to root for a Florida team.

[thieverycorporation]

When we acquired them from Cleveland.  Of course the Browns needed to be excommunicated from roster but I always envied the cities with teams so i was elated when had own team once again. 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

BIG UPs to JJ for this topic. It's truly connected and revealing. Very cool.

[757RavensFan]

The day they decided on the name of our new franchise, that's the day I became a Ravens fan.  I was born and raised in Baltimore and was always an avid football fan.  So like many of you, I cried on that snowy night when I saw the news footage of the Mayflower trucks leaving our great city and headed to Indy.  I started following the Giants after the Colts left, but as soon as we were awarded a team, my allegiance went right back to Baltimore.

[Moderator 3]

I, too, was a Baltimore Colts fan and died a little every Sunday without a team. There is nothing like having a nearby team to root for. I signed up for a Ravens PSL the day they went on sale.

[PurpleCity5]

Lived in Maryland my whole life so when Football came to me, the Ravens did too.

[Bandwagon]

5 years ago when I started getting into football

Purple my favorite color.

Ray Lulu

Live in Miami but I love a team in Baltimore

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wow bandwagon

Edited October 27, 2015 by Bandwagon

[balfan23]

Since the VERY BEGINNING....  Grew up a Colts fan.  I was so glad to get an NFL Team in Baltimore...

 

And I have to admit when Modell pulled that piece of paper out and said "Ladies and Gentlemen, it's the Baltimore Ravens"...  I thought...  HUH????  What????  Are you kidding????.    Now I wouldn't want it any other way.

 

I was born and raised in Owings Mills.  Moved to Florida in 1997.

 

I've lived on the West Coast of Florida;  Moved to the outskirts of San Diego; and moved back to the East Coast of Florida in 2002...  I just cannot, and will not bring myself to root for a Florida team.

I agree on that sentiment. I would not want to replace the Ravens with the Baltimore Colts. My only wish is that team in Indianapolis had a different name and I to this day refuse to refer to them as anything but "Indy". Their history started in 1984. The history of the Colts from 1953 to 1983 belongs in Baltimore and nowhere else. That team ended when the Mayflower trucks rolled out of town. No other team should wear that logo. 

 

I know that having a Unitas avatar may make it appear as if I'd prefer to have the Colts back, rather than have the Ravens. That is not the case. The Ravens are my team and I wouldn't have it any other way. I do maintain that avatar to represent this history for this town, this sport and my memory of it. 

[Kaiowas]

I am from Argentina, in 2000 one day i was watching espn on tv and was televised playoff game versus tennesse titans, and i fell for the ravens defense

[Raven552]

I've noticed hat there has been a lot of ravens fans in florida anyone know why?

Because we old people want to get out of the cold.

 

I didn't really get passionate until the Steve McNair era.  Prior to that I would watch now and then (like the 2000 Superbowl) but didn't really know the players or their positions.  I'll admit I was upset by all the early losses this season, but now I'm just convinced this isn't our year, we'll bounce back.

 

Planning on moving to South Carolina within the next two years (retiring), but I'm not going to be a Panther's fan, it's Ravens all the way!

[The Mom Gene]

 

 

I know that having a Unitas avatar may make it appear as if I'd prefer to have the Colts back, rather than have the Ravens. That is not the case. The Ravens are my team and I wouldn't have it any other way. I do maintain that avatar to represent this history for this town, this sport and my memory of it. 

 

I was in a store down here and there was this HUGE framed print of the 1958 Amici throw...  I asked the guy how much it was...  He then turns the question around and asks me "if I like the Colts"...  I told him.  I like the BALTIMORE Colts.  I bought the framed print, by the way.  It hangs in my hallway.

[RavensRegime]

Lets see: When i was a child, i traveled to MD every year with my family!

My relatives & family members live in the MD/DC /VA area! All of them are Redskins diehards.

So when Cleveland moved to Baltimore, i felt like "this is MY team"!

Then my ex bought us Ravens jerseys, my 1st ever NFL jersey, plus my fav color is purple, that sealed the deal! I felt at home...

And then the 2000 Ravens team happened!! Our team & our fans go hand in hand: tough, passionate, & hard working! The Ravens/Steelers rivalry has been the cherry on top!! Thats the kinda football i remember watching as a child, smashmouth football!! It doesnt get any better! And we won 2 Superbowls!

Edited October 27, 2015 by RavensRegime

[polynesian15]

2010/2011 playoffs, Ravens @ Steelers.

My roommate at the time was a Steelers fan and he suggested we watch the game. Up until then football meant nothing to me, "too many stops" was one of my main arguments for disliking the sport.
But I gave it a shot and for some reason I decided to root against my mate and the Steelers. He explained me basic rules, notable players etc., and I slowly started getting into the game.
I remember Ray and Ed bouncing off the screen - passion, heart, presence sprinkled with great plays.

That's when I got into football AND the Ravens, have followed them closely ever since. This season has been tough so far though, I'm beginning to realize how blessed we've been for the past 5+ years. I prefer a nasty, hard nosed, impenetrable defense any day over a touchdown circus. Let's get back to the roots this coming offseason.

Go Ravens!

Edited October 27, 2015 by polynesian15

[ashoganesyan]

Moved to the states form Russia, didn't even know what football was. Eventually I tried playing at school, loved the game when I learned to rules. Decided to try and watch it on tv, first game I saw was Ravens vs the Titans. Ray Lewis and Ed Reed and the intensity of the defense blew my mind. I legitimately saw the Titans offense scared. Since then been a huge fan, and I live all the way out in LA. 

[Jokerraven]

My dad was a colts fan having four older brothers it was natural to watch football. I remember when the colts left town my father said "Make sure you support the next football team we get win or lose ". My dad was still alive when we got the ravens had a psl first live game I watched I was hooked . I have two sons in college both play football so now I am really learning about football and love it even more .

Edited October 27, 2015 by Jokerraven

[RavensFanMania]

Here we go. 

 

I grew up a Raider fan in the 70s.  Was a huge Oakland Raider fan until they traded my hero Kenny Stabler.  I learned to despise the Steelers, the Immaculate Deception and everything about the Black & Gold while honoring the Silver & Black.  Once Stabler was traded I came home.  Born and bread in the DC area I started rooting for the Skins.  Went through the Gibbs years and every coach since then until last year middle of the year I just couldn't take Dan Snyder anymore. 

 

I Couldn't care less about the losing as long as the team is run the right way and the Ravens and Redskins are like night and day.  One of my friends who is a Skins fan has been asking me if I'm coming back now now that the Skins have one the SB (add lib of course).  My answer, if Dan Snyder purchases the Ravens then I'd consider. 

 

The Ravens no how to treat the fan base.  They have good ownership, good coaching (minus Deen Pees of course), good management.  It's like night and day.  I choose to be a winless Ravens fan then an undefeated Skins fan or anyother team for that matter!  Besides, I live in Maryland.

 

The heart of the Raven is there.  They play with pride and imo are a better team than the record.  We will be back sooner rather than later!

Edited October 27, 2015 by RavensFanMania

[Static]

My first game was sometime In late 90s early 2000s. I was but a wee lad. Started following in 2006 or so

Seems like People born actually from Baltimore are the minority here

Edited October 27, 2015 by Static

[rafahash]

2011 NFL season, Ravens @ Steelers.

 

Ravens @ Steeers, 2011. I began watching the NFL kind of late in my life because it's obviously not that popular here in Brazil (it's getting there, though). My friends watched it and told me I should, too. 

 

When I decided I wanted to watch it, I had to choose a team. I just knew one thing: it couldn't be the Steelers. I didn't like them, although for no particular reason. I chose the Patriots, but before I could watch a game that featured them, I saw that game and decided I would root for the Ravens "just this once", because I really didn't like the Steelers. The commentators kept saying that it was a great rivalry and the teams hated each other, so my love for the Ravens began there.

 

The game was tight, as you can recall, and I was so euphoric about the win that I couldn't choose any other team after that. So I became a Ravens fan.

 

P.S.: I also loved the way Ray Lewis played. That was a big part of it too.

Edited October 27, 2015 by rafahash