U2’s classic anthem about the attack of British troops on a Peace March in Derry, Ireland seems like the appropriate narrative as the Ravens and Steelers once again wage War on a battlefield in Pittsburgh.
Today is not just about a trip to the Super Bowl.
Today is not just a game….. people that do not follow sports closely, always come back to that statement, “It is just a game.”
There can be no dispute that sports are only of so much significance, but calling contests such as today, ‘just a game,’ just do not provide proper context.
The reason sports play such a large role in American (and World) culture, is because a game like today is the ultimate drama.
Not a drama being portrayed on a stage, but a stage that is a stadium being acted out for the entire world to see, without a script foretelling the ending.
Today is about everlasting legacy.
Today is about Joe Flacco, with his entire career ahead of him… but who may never have a better opportunity, then what is before him today.
Today is about Ed Reed. The 2002 1st round pick has been the AP Defensive Player of the Year, has been a 5 time Pro Bowl player… and up until two weeks ago, had never won a post-season game.
With or without a win today, he will have his place on the Ravens Ring of Honor, he will be enshrined in Canton… but to have a chance to achieve true immortality, he must win today.
Today is about Todd Heap. The 2001 1st round pick, that has been a 2 time Pro Bowl player. That joined the Ravens months after their Super Bowl 35 victory, and has spent his entire career waiting for a similar opportunity.
One game today should not significantly alter how you feel about Heap, but the reality is it can.
Today is about Terrell Suggs. The 2003 1st round pick, is a 3 time Pro Bowl player… who joined the Ravens as a 20 year-old, and has matured as a man. He has played in every game of his 6 year career… and now has a significant injury that would keep plenty of guys glued to the sidelines.
When you see him out on the field today, it should be clear to all what he is playing for.
Today is about Bart Scott. He went undrafted when he came out of college in 2002. He signed with the Ravens, and built himself up. He earned a spot on the team through Special Teams work… He earned a starting spot as a Linebacker… he earned a spot in the 2006 Pro Bowl. He turned down more dollars with Cleveland, to return to the Ravens and the franchise that had given him his start. That loyalty was in-part about his desire of winning a ring with this team.
Today is about 35 year old Derrick Mason. A player that has had a near illustrious career, which has been played in the shadows. Today is about earning another chance to a Super Bowl, after his team (Titans) came up a yard short of possible victory 9 years ago.
Today is the reward for spending most of 2008 playing with a separated shoulder… not being able to lift his arm… and finding a way to make plays over and over.
Today is about Ray Lewis.
I believe Lewis will be back with the Ravens in 2009, but there are no guarantees.
The truth is today; in Pittsburgh could be his final game as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
The truth is Ray has been the face of the franchise since he was selected in the 1st round in April 1996.
The truth is with Ogden retired, him and Stover are the only players remaining from that first Ravens season.
The truth is that Lewis’ accomplishments – Super Bowl 35 MVP, 2 time Defensive MVP, 10 Pro-Bowls should put him into the discussion for greatest players of All-Time.
The truth is, his accomplishments to date – have not erased that horrible Jan. 31st 2000 night in Atlanta.
Lewis will always be guilty of the company he kept that night… and for lying to the police in the immediate aftermath. The fact that the people he was with, broke out in a fight… and two people wound up dead is horrible… the fact that he lied to the police in the immediate hours afterwards… inexcusable…
However, him hearing wherever he goes a decade later that he condoned murder, or is a murderer himself, is just not accurate.
That ATL DA wanted to take a down a high-profile name, to raise his name…. when it became clear there was no evidence against Ray’s involvement with the murder… and became clear that if anything he had played the roll of attempted peacemaker… the DA came to him with the plea-bargain, as a way of ‘winning’ something from the case.
Also, you have to look at how he has acted in the years since… you have never heard of so much as a brawl….
Two links to discussion of the plea agreement:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/foo…wis_agreement/
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/f…9.story?page=1
Today is about Ray Lewis once again making a game changing play, and carrying a franchise on his shoulders.
Today is about Lewis once again finding the national spotlight, achieving the vindication he deserves, and further etching in stone of how he will be remembered.
Today is going to be a war… Sunday Bloody Sunday… we will see what happens with the respective legacies.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.