Ravens Kicker Reveals Surprising Jersey Number

The Baltimore Ravens, for the first time in their history, have drafted a kicker. It’s a notable quirk for an esteemed franchise, but it didn’t come from an overwhelming love for a specific prospect.

Arizona kicker Tyler Loop was taken with the 10th pick in the sixth round because of Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s recent allegations of sexual misconduct. With the organization’s (seemingly unofficial) zero-tolerance policy waiting for the results of the NFL’s investigation, Tucker’s fate hangs in the balance. Baltimore cannot afford to be without a viable kicker, thus making the 2025 NFL Draft hunting grounds for his potential replacement.

Tucker cannot be divorced from the team’s intentions. But Loop’s dream came true when an NFL team came calling, and his transition to the league deserves to be its own focus.

"It's so special. That was a cool thing,” Loop said about his selection. “My dad had mentioned that. He was like, 'Hey, the Ravens have never drafted a kicker.' It's really special. To get drafted in itself is just so cool, especially to an organization like the Ravens. You couldn't dream of anything cooler."

When Baltimore announced its jersey numbers for the incoming rookie class, Loop stood out. His No. 33 is atypical for NFL kickers, but it allows him to keep the same number he wore at Arizona.

At his introductory press conference, Loop elaborated on his college experience and how it serves him well in the AFC North, home of the league’s worst weather.

"Being in the Pac-12, I got to go up to Washington, Washington State and Oregon and play up there in some cold weather and some wind and crazy conditions. It's something that gets me excited. I think having a challenge to go conquer and a skillset to refine and really work on and become an expert of kicking in those conditions is something that gets me fired up.

“Learning from coaches who have been up there for a long time and learned how to be successful in the AFC North kicking, that's something that just the sound of gets me pumped up, so I'm really looking forward to it and learning all that."

It isn’t immediately clear whether Loop will play in 2025. There will certainly be others in the mix, but if the Ravens move on from Tucker, their Day 3 pick will get the first shot at replacing him.