The internet is full of inspirational videos. Sports videos, spiritual videos, just plain old inspirational videos, but there are few that touch me and make a big difference. Being that team sports have not always been a part of my life, but have recently come up and made an impact I look for something to keep me moving. Something that makes me want to play hard and something to inspire my teammates. A quote by Henry Ford is something I keep in my mind when the team is having a hard time, “Keeping together is progress, coming together is a beginning, and working together is success.” 
Sometimes our teams don’t work together, but work as individuals. That isn’t how the game is played. Some people have to be willing to work hard and get none of the glory. Being a lineman in football I understand this feeling very well. I go out everyday and I try and I try. Am I the best at it? No, not even close, but do I try? Yea, I try really hard day in and day out. But nobody ever says, “hey he really took up space so that that someone else could get the glory.” The glory goes to the people who run the ball, throw the ball, but that’s not possible without the people on the line. As our coach said, we are the Dirty Dogs. Nobody wants a dirty dog, but they are rough and tough, but get no glory. That is how to work as a team, everyone has to be willing to put in 110% and get nothing in return personally, but understand it was for the betterment of the team. This is one of the first speeches that truly inspired me to be better and do better.
Tag: Ravens
The Finale/Beginning of the NFL Season
Well it’s all over now. The Super Bowl is finished and another season is in the books. The Baltimore Ravens have emerged as the Super Bowl Champions over the favored San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens were in control for most of the game, and for a moment, really lost their edge. However, the Ravens were able to get it together when it mattered, and held on to win. The Harbowl ended with John very badly outcoaching his brother, Jim. John went for some very gutsy calls all game.
His first was a fake field goal run for Justin Tucker that while did not result in a first down or a score, resulted in a 3 and out for the 9ers on their own 6 yard line. It was a win-win for John. The next gut-wrencher was when John decided to call a pass on a 3rd down and short that resulted in a 15-20 yard gain from Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin. It was a great pass and catch, but was somewhat unneeded. The final one was the most impressive, however. With 13 seconds left in the game, the punter, Sam Koch, must have been told to HOLD ONTO THE BALL AT ALL COSTS. DO NOT PUNT. DO NOT FUMBLE!!!
The play resulted in the 9ers getting a safety. But the clock ran down so far, that Colin Kaepernick was not going to step on the field again. The game was left to the return game with only 4 seconds left. The kick off was taken and the rest is history. No score meant a ravens victory.
My shoutout goes to Ray Lewis, who has been an idol of mine since the very beginning. I gotta love that guy.
The 2012/2013 season has come to a close, but the new 2013/2014 season began at 12 AM eastern time. The new season is an hour and a half old. Time to get back to work. Many trades, contracts and player drama will occur in the coming months. Free agency opens in a month and a half, which is one of my favorite times of the league year. I love watching money go flying. Hopefully my Eagles can pick up some big names. But the night belongs to Baltimore. Congratulations to Ray Lewis on finishing his career on a high note, and congrats to the Baltimore Ravens. They earned it!
Super Bowl Week
This has been a somewhat ridiculous Super Bowl week filled with rumors, dumb comments and of course drama.
The rumors start with Ray Lewis and deer antler spray. For those that have no idea what deer antler spray is, you’re not alone. I don’t really know that much about it either. What I do know is that one ingredient in the spray is on the NFL’s list of banned substances. The ingredient is considered a performance enhancing drug.
Ray Lewis is rumored to have used the spray in order to heal faster from his torn triceps injury. One of his doctors has “confirmed” that he in fact did prescribe the spray to Lewis. However, one big piece of the story was left out.
Ray was never tested. There is absolutely no proof that he was or is currently on any form of PED. There was no test. There are only stupid rumors. Ray issued a denial (duh) immediately following the allegations. He’s still playing so don’t be upset. I guess the doctor must have been a San Fran fan.
Power Lines vs. Ravens
What is electricity?
Does it give humans solace in the middle of the night?
Does it allow for the advancement of mankind?
Does it allow lost things to be found?
Does it illuminate homes?
Does it illuminate streets?
Does it illuminate towns?
Cities?
Countries?
Earth?
It does none of these things.
The only things it does is provide hope to a failing team.
Choices Follow Up
So I was thinking again yesterday, occasionally it can be dangerous when I do that, but it wasn’t, it rather was quite productive.
I went home and turned on the TV and was looking for some sport to watch being as the NHL is STILL locked out… cough* cough* Bettman (still waiting).
Any who, I saw something called “A Football Life” and turned it on.
It is a series who follows a different player every week, but it shows their life through the season.
Yesterday’s episode was featuring Ray Lewis, “the Ravens 16 year defensive soul,” as the show called him.
He is actually someone I can admire and look up to.
Let’s Pause and Reflect
After the Divisional Playoff games this past weekend, I am left speechless. I know I constantly preach that anything can happen in the NFL. After this weekend, once again, I was right.
Well, not about all the games. I was 2/4 this weekend, and considering the miracles that took place, I cannot be blamed. The unpredictable has once again unfolded. Let’s discuss the craziness of the Divisional Playoffs. Ya, it’s about to get crazy.
Let’s start with the New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers.
Easily the best game of the weekend, the Saints and ‘9ers engaged in a battle of sheer firepower. With the exception of the first quarter, the game quickly evolved into a “Game of the Year” candidate.
I was jumping out of my seat during every single play. I would have never predicted the 49ers to be in this position at the beginning of the season.
If Jim Harbaugh doesn’t win Coach of the Year, I don’t know who else could win. Harbaugh has taken full control of San Francisco, and has evolved them into a solid football team.
The rushing touchdown by Alex Smith and pass from Smith to Vernon Davis in the last 9 seconds provided excitement until the clock hit zero.
I loved everything about this game. Even though I predicted the Saints to emerge victorious, I commend the 49ers for their success.
OVS Journalism Blog 
