Hello, my name is Bruce an I am an addict. That is I was an addict until I had an intervention last Sunday. You see, for many years I liked the Ravens and their predecessor the Browns (Originally from Ohio, and stuck with the team despite its move! I also briefly lived in Baltimore.) but due to family circumstances I was forced to become an addict of the Chiefs. But Sunday something happened — I was knocked to my senses in much the same way Ed Reed lowered the boom on Dexter McCluster. During that game, I realized that I was a Ravens fan and could shed my addiction and come out of the closet despite pressure from my family to root for the Red. After all, I followed this team all the way despite Art Modell’s villany — why stop now. Here is my story.
For many years I liked the predecessor of the Black and Purple — the Browns. I marveled at Jim Brown and the running of Leroy Kelly. I was shocked that the NFL transferred the franchise to the AFC along with the Colts and Steelers in 1970, but thought at least we can keep our rivalry vibrant. I remember Joe “Turkey” Jones leading the 1976 Browns to victory over the World Champion Steelers and in the process pile-driving Terry Bradshaw during a sack. I remember all the bitter cold games on the lake with the Steelers often leaving me disappointed but never forlorn.
Then in 1995 that crafty old owner Art Modell had managed to move the team (relocate to Baltimore). What a paradox for great fans in Baltimore, who were ripped off by Robert Irsay in 1983. Take the Browns franchise minus the logo from the good fans of Cleveland. The Ravens had two great picks that year — Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden. Those picks coupled with the selling of part of the franchise to Steve Biscotti by Art Modell allowed the team to upgrade and ultimately win a Super Bowl.
Today our heroes are matched against the Steelers which has become one of the fiercest rivalries in sports replacing Chief-Raiders and Bears-Packers in the intensity department. The Steelers lead the series 20-12 and are 2-0 in the playoffs. The Ravens, on the other hand, are the
winningest road warriors in NFL history . This creates the setting of an epic battle at Heinz Field, one in which the Ravens will win and in the process put Big Ben in his place! Let’s hope WWE wrestler in training Terrell Suggs nails him with a piledriver of his own.
Original Story:
http://ebonybird.com/2011/01/14/inter...
