Off-Field Activities Keep Players Loose

The Ravens held two yearly traditions Tuesday that mark the beginning of the upcoming season, but not one of them took place on the field.

Well, one may have, if you consider a luncheon at M&T Bank Stadium on the field.

The Ravens took their team photo - commemorating the full 53-man roster, coaches, video and training staffs - in the morning, followed by the fourth-annual Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon, sponsored by Miller Lite.

"This was truly a kickoff for us," said head coach Brian Billick, as he addressed the sponsors at the sit-down lunch that raised proceeds for the Ravens All Community Team Foundation. "We really feel like it's time to play."

Withholding the game-planning for Baltimore's 2007 opener against the Cincinnati Bengals until Thursday, the Ravens were able spend some time initiating the new members and thanking many corporate sponsors.

The photo is especially one of the more interesting highlights of a new campaign. Even though the Ravens have a streamlined protocol to get the group in and out of the shot as quickly as possible, there are always one or two players that are looking for some mischief. This year, that man was Terrell Suggs.

With guidance from the public relations staff, the Ravens poured out of the loading dock at the back of the fieldhouse to line up on a corresponding jersey number posted on six-level risers. Suggs, though, was wearing Edgar Jones' No. 91, and before any film could be exposed, the purple 55 had to be returned to its rightful owner.

One glance at the tall steps could make any coach nervous that a player could slip and fall, but with over 70 people in the picture, many of them at the super-sized proportions of the NFL, extra-large accommodations had to be made. The Ravens rent specialized stands that many teams around the league utilize.

"With the old stands, the players' numbers would be obscured, or someone's head would be hidden by a guy like J.O. (6-foot-9, 345-pound Jonathan Ogden)," said team photographer Phil Hoffmann. "These had to be imported from Arizona, but they give us a quality shot."

After the entire team said cheese four or five times, Hoffmann captured each position with the corresponding coach, and although these extra pictures only take about five minutes, it is a mad dash to see which group gets it done first.

Of course, that usually results in people like cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister interrupting the receivers, and wideout Derrick Mason stepping in the defensive backs' photo.

As soon as the pictures are wrapped up, the jerseys are traded for more polished attire, as the Ravens headed downtown for the Kickoff Luncheon.

The 70 sponsored tables were treated to an introduction of the 2007 squad from Billick, followed by his thoughts as to what the fans can expect this year.

"We have a deep, mature group that I expect a lot out of," Billick said. "That goes for the veterans on down to the rookies. I don't think we could have had such a successful season last year if our rookies weren't mature, and I hope this year's group takes note of that."

Billick was greeted with loud cheers, but only after a malfunctioning entranceway would allow him on-stage.

"I think they cheered more when the doors wouldn't open," he quipped from the podium.

But knowing that the proceeds from the event all went to the Ravens ACT Foundation, Billick also spoke about the team's commitment to service.

"I'm proud of what these young men have been able to do in the Baltimore community," he stated. "And, I'm thankful to the fans that came out, for their passion to the Ravens and for what we're putting together."

From the outpouring of support at the luncheon, to the excitement of the players during the photo shoot, Charm City is ready to play some football.