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

[Dilferian]

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 never liked the fact we got a team the same way that we lost the Colts...owners greed. It is what it is, but I'm still not comfortable 20 years later with it.

 

I really wish we were picked for expansion instead of Jacksonville or Carolina, but it wasn't the case. Clearly, some owners didn't want Baltimore as an expansion team, they had their eye on it as a relocation.

[The Mom Gene]

 

I never liked the fact we got a team the same way that we lost the Colts...owners greed. It is what it is, but I'm still not comfortable 20 years later with it.

 

I really wish we were picked for expansion instead of Jacksonville or Carolina, but it wasn't the case. Clearly, some owners didn't want Baltimore as an expansion team, they had their eye on it as a relocation.

 

We actually didn't... 

 

When the Colts left Baltimore, they took EVERYTHING with them.  They took "The Franchise".  Hence why it took so long for Baltimore to get another team.  After that, I believe that Tagliabue said "never again".

 

When Modell brought the Browns to Baltimore, he brought with him the team.  He left them their name, their colors, their logos, and "the ability to expansion", so that they could re-establish.  The Browns were back up and running in 3 years.

[gtalk12]

i'm originally from New Jersey and use to follow the Giants only because I lived by the Meadowlands but never actually watched the games.

 

First supebowl Giants met the Ravens and I predicted Giants would win...L.O.L

 

Couple of years later when I was 15 I started to play Madden and low and behold it was Madden 2005 with Ray Lewis on the cover. All my friends played with the Eagles and Colts and never actually ran the ball or played anything but Cover 3.

 

I picked the Ravens and realized the RB was unstoppable Jamal Lewis, and with Ray I sacked the QB and enjoyed how great the defense was.

 

Started paying attention to the games finally and just fell in love with the passion the Ravens Defense played with REGARDLESS of the score.

 

I was fortunate to start following the team and saw the likes of Bart Scott, Jarret Johnson, Kelly Gregg, Trevor Pryce, Ngate, Reed, Laron Landry, Chris Mccallister* and Adalius Thomas....I was here for the Boller years and the painful offense we had over the years.

 

Great run games with Willis McGahee and Jamal, later with the 3 headed monster of Willis, Ray Rice, and McClain and then Ricky Williams.

 

I can say I've been a fan since 2006

[Tru11]

NFL europe peeked my interest in american football.

Since i was a defender playing soccer i was interested in learning about the defenses and its where i got to know ray lewis.

i started being a fan of him and kinda stuck with the ravens since they where a new team and did not seem to be very liked which of course made them more appealing.

drafting jamal lewis and then winning the SB was the icing on the cake.

 

was hard to follow the team and the NFL back then though.

had to mostly do it with recaps on nfl.com if i where lucky.

madden back then was actually the best way for me to know all the players and such 

[kennethyamini1989]

My foster Brother/cousin was a big Ravens fan during their 2000s run back when I was about 10-11 years. He had Sickle Cell, but I remember him being one of the nicest people to me. Before that I never watched Football. I didnt truly start following the Ravens until I myself started playing HS football in 2004. 

[BSHU_Miami]

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

im not a canes fan....I might be if pagano ends up here, but I basically followed Ed Reed to Baltimore

[redrum52]

NFL europe peeked my interest in american football.

Since i was a defender playing soccer i was interested in learning about the defenses and its where i got to know ray lewis.

i started being a fan of him and kinda stuck with the ravens since they where a new team and did not seem to be very liked which of course made them more appealing.

drafting jamal lewis and then winning the SB was the icing on the cake.

was hard to follow the team and the NFL back then though.

had to mostly do it with recaps on nfl.com if i where lucky.

madden back then was actually the best way for me to know all the players and such

Same for me. People weren't streaming games then. Learned the players through madden and recaps.

[JustinB]

This is something I am enjoying reading today, great to hear some of these stories from other fans around the country.

 

Since I was born the same year the team was created I cant say I was a fan from the start but now I call it the best birthday gift ever.  I became a fan since the first day I got my hat.  My uncle and I were just doing some fun stuff together and we went to some store I can't remember and he bought me a hat.  It was a basic black baseball cap with some purple bird with a capital B on the front and the word Ravens on the back strap.  It was a cool hat even though I was so little I had trouble saying the word Ravens.  I stayed a Ravens fan even though I had no idea what what the Baltimore ravens were but whatever they were I was with them, which hast changed to this day.  Not being a fan of electronics which also hasn't changed much to this day I didn't really follow the ravens online, that is until 2012.  I still can't explain it but I really started watching the ravens as much as I could that year and after they won the superbowl I became even more obsessed, long story short I found this website signed up and became a member and now check this website everyday I can

[LosT_in_TranSlatioN]

Born in east San Diego, and my Dad hated the chargers. Moved to Bmore around the time of inception and he was hooked ever since. Picked up on his habits.

[Nicky-B]

I became a Ravens fan when they first announced that Cleveland was moving to Baltimore. Having been a COLTS season ticket holder for 11 years, then having to wait for another franchise .... it was a long NFL drought BUT I never gave up nor did I switch my allegiance of Baltimore.

[VA_Fan]

I was born and raised in Baltimore City (Curtis Bay) and remember going to Memorial Stadium to watch the colts when I was a kid. When the Colts left, I didn't watch any Football at all until the Ravens came to town.  I moved to VA in 1991 but still love my City and still a huge Orioles and Ravens fan. 

[FlocksGottaFeed]

Steve Smith Sr recently said, "I was born a Raven..." when asked about his loyalty. That resonated with me, because I know that I was born a Ravens Fan even before the franchise was formed.

To explain...

 

I was a die-hard Colts fan at birth. Born and raised in Baltimore, played 7 years of Pop Warner for a team sponsored by Colt players, worked concessions at Memorial Stadium as a teen, had an uncle who worked with Unitas (part-time gig) when he wasn't playing ball, my father was good friends with Big Jim Parker and I house-sat for Lenny Moore once, the Colts were my world. Then it all left in a Mayflower Moving trunk in the middle of the night. What kept me engaged? The Colts Band stayed engaged and the ex-Colts Legends kept the legacy alive although the franchise was gone.

 

Then came the Ravens and the 'true' Colts embraced them. Who was I not to? They were everything that the original Colts were. True to the communities, resilient, committed, imperfectly perfect. Named from Baltimore lure with an attitude to match it. Gotta' love it! Admittedly, names and franchise settlements don't define a team - the heart and soul of the city does.

 

That's why I was born a Ravens Fan before we even got them here, because..." I got (Baltimore) soul and I'm super bad..."

 

Purple and Black4Life! GO Ravens!!! 

Edited October 27, 2015 by jkm5bmore

[GrimCoconut]

I drew the short straw.

Okay, I'm kidding.

[Tru11]

Same for me. People weren't streaming games then. Learned the players through madden and recaps.

 

yeah man same here.

 

once they started streaming a world went open.

 

i also enjoyed the 2 years i could watch games tnx to NFL game pass that i got for free complementary of the NFL because of the lock out lol.

[Dilferian]

We actually didn't... 

 

When the Colts left Baltimore, they took EVERYTHING with them.  They took "The Franchise".  Hence why it took so long for Baltimore to get another team.  After that, I believe that Tagliabue said "never again".

 

When Modell brought the Browns to Baltimore, he brought with him the team.  He left them their name, their colors, their logos, and "the ability to expansion", so that they could re-establish.  The Browns were back up and running in 3 years.

 

Cleveland had to bust their butt & sue the NFL to get their franchise and history back. Modell didn't leave squat, unless you count the aftermath of anger/hard feelings. 

 

The courts' decision clearly showed the NFL messed up in allowing the move. That's why I mentioned we should have been granted expansion over Jax & Carolina. 

 

I'm happy there's football here, don't get me wrong. Irsay & Modell got it all wrong in their dealings and greed.

[Militant X 1]

I was born in New Jersey and grew up there and in New York.  I grew up being a Yankees fan and still am to this day!  Don't hate Orioles fans.  Lol!  But, I only casually liked the Giants and Knicks for a time but never really got behind those teams but was excited when the Giants won the Superbowl with Parcells and supported the Knicks during their playoff runs with Big Patrick Ewing and the crew!  I actually lived down the street from where the Jets practiced back then (Hofstra University) but never really followed them but my dad did and still does. 

 

Due to my dad's job we moved around a lot!  A whole lot!  At one time we lived in California for a bit back in the 70's and during that time I absolutely fell in love with Derrrrr Raiderrrrrs!  Still like those boys in the Silver and Black to this day.  They'll always have a special place in my heart.  But, we moved back to the East Coast and came back to New Jersey and our area was filled with Steelers and Eagles fans.  At that time I began to developed a love for college football and my favorite teams were in Florida; FSU, The Gators and The "U".  The "U" was my absolute favorite!  I loved their attitude, passion and swagger in which they played the game. 

 

During my time cheering them on I noticed one of their newest players, the young buck named Ray Lewis.  Oh my goodness!  This dude!  I loved everything about him!  So, when I heard that Ray was entering the draft, I said; "Because I like him....whichever NFL team he goes to I'm going to follow them because of him!"  I never been a Colts fan or even followed them, couldn't have cared less about them so I feel nothing from that era of football for the city of Baltimore.  But, when the ex-Browns came to town and got the name changed to the BALTIMORE RAVENS....they drafted my man....Ray Lewis!  Whooooo!  While I hated the inaugural uniforms, I loved my boy Ray Lewis!  I just mesh well with his personality, swagger, confidence, leadership, hype up speeches in the locker room, walking into the tunnel, on the sideline and on the field etc.  It was awesome to see him evolve into becoming the face and leader of the Baltimore Ravens!  LOVED IT!  Either you click with a cat or you don't!  It's that simple!  I feel Ray Lewis man!  Got his jerseys, autographed football and Ravens helmet etc.  I just bought his new book; "I Feel Like Going On...."  Reading it now! 

 

My most difficult times was Ray's trouble in Atlanta and then when he finally mentioned his retirement!  When we won the Super Bowl against the Giants man I was so happy for the team and for Ray personally because of what he had to go through that season.  When we won the Super Bowl against the 49ers, again I was happy for the team of course but specifically for my main man Ray Lewis.  Way to send our "General" out right!  So, my love for this team....my team....the Baltimore Ravens....was fostered by ONE MAN...Ray Lewis!  When Ed Reed showed up...wow!  That was icing on the cake!  So, because of Ray, I have always been...and I still am...more partial to the defensive side of the ball when it comes to the Baltimore Ravens.  Once he left the game, many of my family members predicted that since my dude was no longer a Raven that I would no longer be a Ravens fan.  They were wrong!  On the contrary...it is because of the" legacy" of Ray Lewis that I remain a loyal and faithful Ravens fan to this day and beyond!  GO RAVENS!!

[ravensdfan]

 

 

Cleveland had to bust their butt & sue the NFL to get their franchise and history back. Modell didn't leave squat, unless you count the aftermath of anger/hard feelings. 

 

The courts' decision clearly showed the NFL messed up in allowing the move. That's why I mentioned we should have been granted expansion over Jax & Carolina. 

 

I'm happy there's football here, don't get me wrong. Irsay & Modell got it all wrong in their dealings and greed.

I don't know why everyone says this when it simply is not a fact. Sure they filed a lawsuite about him moving the team, just like Baltimore did when Irsay moved it. It had zero to do with the rest of it. The court NEVER ruled Modell had to leave the name, logo, history, etc. He CHOSE  to do that.

 

The court ruled in favor of Baltimore as well. Same thing. Only Irsay did NOT choose the high road and in fact, reneged on what he did agree to in the settlement.

 

Point is: No, Modell was NOT forced to do those things. In fact I believe the contest for the name was begun prior to any court ruling at all. Want to know the real difference though?

 

Irsay: I am not moving this team. ( his drunken tirade at the airport a few weeks before he snuck them out overnight AFTER the City and State already agreed to upgrades on the stadium.

 

Modell: I WILL move this team, even though I don't want to. (when they REFUSED to upgrades on the Browns' stadium but spent an inordinate amount of money on basketball? baseball? don't remember which team. PLUS wanted Modell to revenue share with them.

 

Anyway, Colts fan since I can remember. My Dad patiently teaching me football during the playoffs or SB one year (don't remember which). Man is a saint I tell you lol Cried like a baby the day they were stolen.

 

Patiently waited for all those barren years and have been a die hard Ravens' fan since day one.

[Dilferian]

I don't know why everyone says this when it simply is not a fact. Sure they filed a lawsuite about him moving the team, just like Baltimore did when Irsay moved it. It had zero to do with the rest of it. The court NEVER ruled Modell had to leave the name, logo, history, etc. He CHOSE to do that.

The court ruled in favor of Baltimore as well. Same thing. Only Irsay did NOT choose the high road and in fact, reneged on what he did agree to in the settlement.

Point is: No, Modell was NOT forced to do those things. In fact I believe the contest for the name was begun prior to any court ruling at all. Want to know the real difference though?

Irsay: I am not moving this team. ( his drunken tirade at the airport a few weeks before he snuck them out overnight AFTER the City and State already agreed to upgrades on the stadium.

Modell: I WILL move this team, even though I don't want to. (when they REFUSED to upgrades on the Browns' stadium but spent an inordinate amount of money on basketball? baseball? don't remember which team. PLUS wanted Modell to revenue share with them.

Anyway, Colts fan since I can remember. My Dad patiently teaching me football during the playoffs or SB one year (don't remember which). Man is a saint I tell you lol Cried like a baby the day they were stolen.

Patiently waited for all those barren years and have been a die hard Ravens' fan since day one.

That's not how it went down. I was in Cleveland, going to college there at the time. Cleveland was pouring money into Cle Stadium, and eventually put to the voters a proposal on a public funded sports complex (Gateway). The City was all for modernizing it's sports facilities.. It passed in 1990 but Modell didn't want any part of it, he balked and the rest is history.

[ravensdfan]

That's not how it went down. I was in Cleveland, going to college there at the time. Cleveland was pouring money into Cle Stadium, and eventually put to the voters a proposal on a public funded sports complex (Gateway). The City was all for modernizing it's sports facilities.. It passed in 1990 but Modell didn't want any part of it, he balked and the rest is history.

Wrong.

 

New stadium was for the Indians ONLY. Progressive Field. Indians moved there in 1993. Browns played in the old stadium there until they left in 1995 with no new stadium proposal until AFTER he already agreed to move the team to Baltimore.

 

http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/ClevelandMunicipal.htm

 

 

 

n 1985, Richard and David Jacobs bought the Indians and began to lobby for a new stadium. Voters approved a bond and a new stadium for the Indians was built in downtown Cleveland. The last Indians game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium was on October 3, 1993 and the team moved to Progressive Field the following season. The Cleveland Browns (NFL) played at the stadium until 1995

 

Furthermore, the City of Cleveland's lawsuit was for breach of lease, not anything to do with the Franchise history etc.

 

Modell wanted nothing to do with the Gateway project because the City of Cleveland wanted him to share football revenue with the Indians. Under his current terms, he received 100% of the current football revenue in return for the long term lease he signed.

Edited October 28, 2015 by ravensdfan

[Dilferian]

 

Wrong.

 

New stadium was for the Indians ONLY. Progressive Field. Indians moved there in 1993. Browns played there until they left in 1995 with no new stadium proposal until AFTER he already agreed to move the team to Baltimore.

 

http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/ClevelandMunicipal.htm

 

 

 

 

 

In 1985, Richard and David Jacobs bought the Indians and began to lobby for a new stadium. Voters approved a bond and a new stadium for the Indians was built in downtown Cleveland. The last Indians game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium was on October 3, 1993 and the team moved to Progressive Field the following season. The Cleveland Browns (NFL) played at the stadium until 1995 - See more at: http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/ClevelandMunicipal.htm#sthash.f2LrWea5.dpuf

 

In 1985, Richard and David Jacobs bought the Indians and began to lobby for a new stadium. Voters approved a bond and a new stadium for the Indians was built in downtown Cleveland. The last Indians game at Cleveland Municipal Stadium was on October 3, 1993 and the team moved to Progressive Field the following season. The Cleveland Browns (NFL) played at the stadium until 1995 - See more at: http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/past/ClevelandMunicipal.htm#sthash.f2LrWea5.dpuf

 

Mr Ravensfan, like I said, I was there going to college. I just googled this, here's a link. Like most relocation stuff, it's complicated. Hey, I'm a Ravens fan, but you have to take the blinders off, Modell was no saint....

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_Sports_and_Entertainment_Complex

[ravensdfan]

Mr Ravensfan, like I said, I was there going to college. I just googled this, here's a link. Like most relocation stuff, it's complicated. Hey, I'm a Ravens fan, but you have to take the blinders off, Modell was no saint....

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_Sports_and_Entertainment_Complex

Please. wiki.

 

Modell owned the current stadium because of a deal he made with the City where he freed up tax revenue. He also, at that time, agreed to a long term lease on the current stadium. Then the city says (with the Gateway project) oh no, you have to share with the Indians and still be held accountable for the remaining lease on the old stadium. So he balked at that project. Why wouldn't he when the city was essentially backing out of an agreed up on deal?

[IceDevilHH81]

For me it was 1997. In my youth over here in Germany Football wasn`t that popular (that changed in the last 15 years)! We had a Free-TV Channel that showed a lot of 49ers and Cowboy games. So I was a 49ers fan early in my youth  – because it was what they showed over here. Later a Pay-TV Channel showed more games – 3 on Sundays and the Monday Night Game + College Football. From time to time they showed some games from the Ravens and I got more and more addicted. I think Ray Lewis and his passion for the game had a lot to do with it! Loved our way to play defense! Also it was a new franchise so it was a chance to start from the beginning. And thanks to the Internet I was more and more able to follow the Games… I still remember a time when I was just following the live stats on nfl.com … and thanks to the technology of today I can watch every game via nfl.com! 

Edited October 28, 2015 by IceDevilHH81

[Gordo52]

Was only 2 years old when football came back to Baltimore so I guess I was just born into it....I remember us winning SB XXXV, but didn't really know what was going on. Huge Vick fan and Madden player in 2000's...2006 jumps out to me as a year that really intensified my love for the Ravens. We had a lot of good defenses in the 2000's but that 06 one in particular made me forever favor watching that side of the ball. Started to understand the game more that year. Since 2008 I've developed a passion for the Ravens and NFL. Besides the Ravens being my home team, a lot of that was due to playing fantasy football and Madden... Love learning new things about the game. Wish I would've knew more back then to watch & fully appreciate the prime years of Ray & Ed... If it wasn't for my love of the NFL as a whole, I don't believe I'd be the passionate Ravens fan I am today and will continue to be until I die.

[-Truth-]

I was originally an Atlanta Falcons fan back in the early-to-mid 2000s. I was in my teenage years and I wasn't as keen on the finer detail, drawing my initial insight from the Madden video games and then from playing the sport in high school. My brother was a Ravens fan at the time and I accompanied him to the Panthers game in 2006. I sat in the midfield of the hundreds and watched Steve Smith reel in a deflected pass into a long score. The Ravens ended up losing the contest, but I was more than satisfied with the experience. I unsurprisingly found myself at the Falcons tilt several weeks down the road. While I was loyal to the opponent at the time, I watched the Ravens defense stifle Michael Vick and came away awfully impressed with the performance. My devotion to my initial choice was shaken after watching Atlanta fire Jim Mora Jr. and replace him with the loathsome Bobby Petrino in what was a descent into a dark and tumultuous excursion. My mother then surprised me with tickets to the playoff game against Indianapolis. I sat in the corner of the end zone and peeked over the railing while Jamal Lewis tested his cleats. I bought an Ed Reed jersey at the team store which still hangs in my closet. He ended up snagging two interceptions and immediately became one of my favorite players. The first half had ended and the fans begun leaving for the concession stand, no doubt thirsting for a hot beverage given the temperature. Peyton Manning was lagging behind and had the misfortune of heading in my direction to reach the tunnel below. I shouted unspeakable things at Manning. It was a one-sided dialog so violently outlandish that I continuously turned my head for the rest of the contest in fear of being escorted out of the building. He stared at me in utter disbelief during his journey to the locker room. We ended up losing in what was ultimately a crushing defeat, but the experience has remained as a vivid memory until this day. My allegiance shifted after that afternoon, and the Ravens have been my utmost favorite team in any sport since then.

Edited October 28, 2015 by -Truth-

[salamander]

      JJ, perfect topic at a perfect time. It's nice to read some insights in to the fans who post here and this thread is something positive when our beloved team is struggling so and bumming us out.

      I grew up in a Baltimore Colts household and went to many Colts games with my father. I loved the Colts as a young child and still remember just about every player and their jersey #s to this day. When the Colts left town, I was really upset and kind of lost some interest in football. My father adopted the 49ers but it wasn't the same level of interest for me.

      When the Ravens came to town, I regained my interest in football. Finally, we had a home team again. What sealed the deal for me, transforming me back in to a passionate fan, was the 2000 Super Bowl. I live in the historic district of Ellicott City on the Main Street and the whole town went bonkers. Even the police cars were running up and down the street sirens and horns blaring, cops cars running in circles over and over. Impromptu fans became their own versions of marching bands, banging pots and pans, inventing chants and songs as everyone took to the streets to celebrate. The excitement and insanity of celebrating the Super Bowl had me hooked.

      I am passionate about Baltimore football again, as much, no, more so than I was as a child. Used to go on the Ravens website every day to read comments, then decided last winter to sign up and join the conversations. It's been fun fellow Ravens fans chatting with you. Better days are coming for the Ravens. Love the Ravens, win or lose.

[Florida Ravens Fan]

The first game I sat down and watched was the Titans and Rams Superbowl. I picked the Titans because of the colors lol (didnt know anything about football). I started watching them every sunday. I made my parents buy the sunday ticket. Steve Mcnair was my favorite and I loved Mason. When the Titans shut out Mcnair from working at the team gym, that left a bad taste in my mouth, after all he did for that franchise and city. Anyways when the Ravens got him I became a fan and Mason was here too so even better. I have been a Ravens fan ever since. I love explaining to people how I became a Ravens fan lol, being from New York and living in Florida.

[DomMcRaven]

Throughout my childhood, I was on and off with watching the NFL. For some reason, I always liked Donovan McNabb, but never cared for the Eagles (or the Redskins and Vikings for that matter). Yet, I still hated the Steelers and Browns (and eventually the Patriots). 

 

2011 was when I really got into the NFL again. I wanted to choose a team and not a player. With the exception of the Ravens, I was able to name at least one person I knew who was a fan of each and every team. So that's how I chose the Ravens. I didn't personally know anyone who was a Ravens fan. It also helped that they wore purple because that's my favorite color.

 

While I wasn't able to watch the beast that was the 2000 Ravens defense, I'm fortunate to witness this team win a Super Bowl. This is the first season where I can actually say my team is struggling. It definitely has been frustrating to watch these close losses, but I will always stick with this team no matter what. It's pretty cool reading all of your stories so I figured to share mine. My delusional self thinks it's still possible to win out and get a Wild Card spot, but it is what it is. 

[K-Dog]

I am one of those old enough to have been a fan of the BALTIMORE Colts.  Living just a few minuets south of Baltimore they were an easy pick for a favorite team. 
I was a mere 12 years old when they left but I liked watching football with my Dad and my friends in the neighborhood.  

 

When they left I never really had a favorite team. For the most part I stoped watching football other than the playoffs, Super Bowl and the occasional lazy Sunday with nothing else to do.  I jumped on the Skins bandwagon when they won the Super Bowl, and hung out there for a few years.

 

Toss in the Stallions and, the CFL Colts when applicable. Then 1996 came and I never much cared for D.C. nor the Skins so I jumped ship.  I thought the Poe reference in the name was unique and smart so I loved the name right off the bat.  No matter the win / loss record I have been a fan since day one.

Edited October 29, 2015 by K-Dog

[SomeCreepinaVan]

My dad was a Colts fan until they left. I was 5 when we got the Ravens, but I didn't start consistently watching the games until 2005. I choose the Ravens because they're my local team. The first games I actually watched were the entire playoffs of our first Superbowl winning season.

Edited November 1, 2015 by SomeCreepinaVan

[bMore Heathen]

Great topic!!!

When I was a kid, there was no Baltimore football, they left the year I was born. My moms side of the family grew up in east Baltimore and were die hard Colts fans. My dad grew up in college park and they were Skins fans. I liked Marino growing up, but didn't really get to see many games growing up in bmore. I was really a huge Os fan and have find memories of Memorial Stadium in the 80s and early 90s. Then the baseball strike happened and I started to realize how boring baseball really is.

At the same time, there were rumblings about expansion. That jerk Tagliabu told the city we "should build a musium for the Colts because we would never get a NFL franchise." That defiantly rubbed me the wrong way. So low and behold there's talk about Modell moving the Browns. I was instantly hooked, and going into HS, football was much more interesting to me. I went out and bought a Baltimore Browns t shirt as soon as the news became public and have been a die hard fan ever since!! Still have that shirt... Somewhere!!!

Edited October 29, 2015 by bMore Heathen