The Ravens paid their final respects to long-time assistant coach Clarence Brooks this week.
Brooks' family held calling hours Tuesday evening in his hometown of New Bedford, Mass., and he was laid to rest during a funeral service Wednesday.
Brooks was a beloved figure inside the organization, and Ravens Owner Steve Bisciotti chartered two private flights so players, coaches and staff members could attend. Several players and coaches made the trip Tuesday evening, and a few more players and coaches went for the funeral on Wednesday.
"It was just an honor to be there," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "It was just a really great moment in terms of family and seeing the family that 'C.B.' had around him and the family that he built in so many ways. I told the guys today, we see how he affected us every single day here and how the lives that he impacted – guys who are here and guys over the years – but it was cool to see the impact he had in his own town and with his own family.
Brooks, best known as "C.B." around the building, passed away Sept. 17 after battling esophageal cancer. He was 65 years old.
"It sucks," veteran defender Terrell Suggs said of losing Brooks. "But he was smiling to his last day, and that's the kind of guy 'C.B.'was. We're going to miss having him around here. His spirit still lives on around here. He's always going to be with us, and we love it."
Brooks was the longest-tenured member of the coaching staff. He joined the Ravens in 2005 and spent a decade as a revered defensive line coach. He transitioned into a role as a senior defensive assistant this offseason.
The Ravens are wearing "CB" stickers on their helmets this season to honor Brooks.
The defensive line coach joined the Ravens in 2005, leading the unit to dominance year after year.
