Ravens & Remembrance
My sister, Shaney, invited me to the Ravens vs. Steelers game on Dec. 7.
I have been wanting to go to a NFL game since I’ve lived in Baltimore.
I don’t have a favorite team in any sport nor do I consider myself a sports “fan” or fanatic, but I like watching and attending various sporting events from time to time. As a “girl,” well really a feminine woman, I still understand all (or at least most) of what’s happening, primarily because I grew up with a coach for a father - he watched a lot of sports and I would watch with him to spend time with him - and because I am a bit of a thrill seeker. I also really enjoy the social and entertainment parts of the event experience (e.g. the food, the music, the performances, the cheerleaders, the dancers, the band, the funny stuff that happens at the game, etc.), as well as the stories about the athletes and coaches (I’m a journalist, remember), but I really kind of pick a team or athlete(s) in the moment that I like or am supporting for a specific reason while also cheering for athletes from my hometown area of Hampton Roads, VA. We currently don’t have major professional teams in Hampton Roads AKA “The 757,” but we are fortunate to have so much talent - athletes, entertainers, etc. - make it to the big leagues. My dad was blessed to coach at a time when Allen Iverson, Michael Vick, Aaron Brooks, and so many more phenomenal athletes from our area were playing in high school, later going on to have successful college and professional careers.
My sister, Shaney, and I taking in the Ravens vs. Steelers game action! She’s from Baltimore - a Ravens fan tride and true.
True to a being a girl though, my favorite color is purple💜, so by default I do like the Ravens and Lakers and have attended each one of their games the past two seasons (read about my LA ‘24 trip). But for real, after living in Baltimore for seven years, I’ve found that this region really does have endearing qualities. It feels like home now, and with that it’s kind of hard not to like, or at least follow the Ravens’ season and happenings which I have done pretty consistently since I’ve lived here (I’m glad that Lamar Jackson is back from recent injury). I am learning and understanding more of why Baltimore is called “The Charm City” (I’ll likely talk more about this in a post later).
When my sister Shaney, who I met from church, invited me to the Ravens vs. Steelers game on Dec. 7 she didn’t know that my dad knew Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin. In the early 1980s, my dad was his PE Teacher at Dozier Middle School. He was always so proud of the man Coach Tomlin became and spoke well of him recalling his time as a student and young man. They had seen each other a few times in more recent years and I am so glad that my dad had pictures from their likely last meetup. So, I felt really honored and even more excited to go to the Dec. 7 game when Shaney told me that the Ravens were playing the Steelers, not only to watch the Ravens but to support this coaching legend from my hometown of Newport News, Virginia. In 2023, Coach Tomlin was so kind to share complimentary sentiments about my dad as well as one of my dad’s closest and best friends, Coach Greg Henderson, on a podcast called “757 Roundtable Talk” ( you can view the clip here). When I was little, I called Coach Henderson “Coach Hennessy” only because I couldn’t pronounce his name. In addition to my dad, Coach Henderson really is the great man - a quiet, diligent, faithful one - that Coach Tomlin said he is and we [my family - Mom, Chris, and I] are so grateful for him. Love you Coach Henderson!
As Coach Tomlin reflected on his inspirations growing up, this is what he said on the podcast [paraphrased and edited for readability]:
“Two [high school] basketball coaching legends in “The 757” - Ben Moore and Greg Henderson - those dudes were my PE Teachers at Dozier Middle School…they were young men, just getting started, JV coaches at the time….I was in 6th grade man, those were my PE teachers, and to know those guys and to know the type of men [they were], specifically Ben Moore who passed away a couple of years back, and the lives he touched, that’s the care that we received. The coaches were people that you looked up to that not only taught you about the games that we played, but they taught you about life, and held you to a standard.”
My dad and Coach Tomlin. I think this was in 2011 from the picture date which I edited to post here - clearly you can see July 8. My dad passed away in 2017.
This image really says a lot to me visually, representing their mutual respect and love for one another. My dad was really proud of Coach Tomlin. He didn’t run around name dropping saying that he knew him or that he had that much of an impact on him, but as you can see, he was really proud of the man he became. I still remember him mentioning his football days at William & Mary.
I couldn’t help but think that me attending this Ravens vs. Steelers game on Dec. 7, 2025 felt a bit serendipitous; Dec. 9, 2025 marked eight years since my dad passed so the game date was right before the anniversary mark. It was a great day and week though and I feel so grateful. At this game, they also commemorated the Ravens’ 2001 Super Bowl XXXV Team. That was cool to see, especially to see Ray Lewis who I’d heard of a lot about growing up. Although the Ravens lost a tight, pivotal game which had a controversial play in the last few minutes that should have/could have been a Touchdown for the Ravens and I was rooting for them (I could feel - and hear - the sheer disappointment of fans around me), I must admit that I was still happy for Coach Tomlin as he and the Steelers got the W.
Thanks so much to Shaney and Antoine, her husband who took care of everything, for the invitation and elevated experience to my first NFL game. This was truly #moorethanagame for me.
Two things before I go:
There were two fly older Black ladies wearing full length fur coats at the game sitting close to me - one had white/grey hair with a full length white mink - black spots and shades/sunglasses, and the other had on a brown fur with black hair with shades/sunglasses. Their make-up was done - okay, hunny - and they were enjoying themselves; not in an obnoxious attention-seeking way, but with class. When I tell you loved to see it, I loved to see it! Fly - Feminine - Fashion - and Football! Woo!
And five years ago, my brother bought a Lamar Jackson POP figure - I don’t know why - but I have it now 😄. I just think that’s funny.
Love
The commemoration for the Super Bowl XXXV Champions Ravens 2000-2001 Team. Pictured here are Head Coach Brian Billick and Hall of Famer & Super Bowl XXXV MVP Ray Lewis. Several other championship team members were on the field too. It was wonderful to see them get their love and metaphorical flowers after 25 years.
The Lamar Jackson POP I have at my house that my brother is still probably looking for. Go Ravens!