About Brian Bower

Brian Bower

Brian Bower is avid football fan who was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. Brian has covered the Baltimore Ravens and NFL player positives in the community for the past two years for FootballNewsNow.com. His work has been featured on NFL.com and ESPN blogs. He is also a regular guest on ESPN Radio in Honolulu, Hawaii.   Brian is very involved in the community and has spent the last twenty years as a volunteer firefighter.  

Should the NFL do more to help keep players out of trouble?

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Does the NFL need to step up to the plate even more to help rookies as well as vested players regarding how they conduct themselves off the field? Each year the NFL holds it’s mandated NFL Rookie Symposium, but is that enough? Let’s be honest – everyone can remember when they were younger (of if you are younger now) and what it was like to have some money in your pocket. Now, chances are the money we had pales in camparison to what NFL rookies make, but you get the … Continue reading

Homegrown Gerrard Sheppard has chance to shine with Ravens

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Towson wide receiver Gerrard Sheppard was all smiles when his phone rang and it was the Ravens on the other end. After going undrafted, the 6’2″ 215 lb Maryland native (Owings Mills) was ecstatic when the Ravens wanted to add him to their roster. “It was a dream come true. I was born and raised in Baltimore and to play for my hometown I felt nothing but great feelings inside. I look forward to working my butt off every day to show them I deserve to be a part of … Continue reading

Ravens’ Chris Canty speaks out against domestic violence

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It has not taken long for new Baltimore Raven Chris Canty to get involved in the local community. Canty, along with sportscaster James Brown, spoke on Tuesday morning during a domestic violence prevention seminar in the ballroom of an Inner Harbor hotel in downtown Baltimore. The training session, dubbed “A Call To Coaches: Your Voice Counts,” was designed to teach middle school, high school, college and community coaches about domestic violence against women and how to use their influence to affect change. “The culture of football rewards physical aggression and … Continue reading

Ray Rice shines in spring fundraiser sponsored by BodyArmor SuperDrink

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Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice visited the Wegman’s in Columbia Thursday evening, April 11, 2013, for a charity event to raise money for The Arc of Howard County and his anti-bullying campaign. Rice, who was at the event as a representative of BODYARMOR SuperDrink, met with fans, held a question and answer session and posed for photos. “Any time I get a chance to come out and raise money for these Foundations it is a great thing,” Rice stated when asked about holding the event. The small yet fierce running back … Continue reading

Arthur Jones and teammates under the big top with Casey Cares Foundation

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Wednesday proved to be a very busy day for Baltimore Ravens defensive end Arthur Jones. Not only did Jones sign his second-round restricted free agent tender, but the 6-foot-3 and-315 pound gentle giant was one of a few Ravens to bring smiles to some critically ill children on a special night. Jones once again teamed up with the Casey Cares Foundation and shared a night of fun at the The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Baltimore. Jones, who has been involved with the Casey Cares Foundation since October of last season, … Continue reading

Terrell Suggs, Chris Canty honored as Ed Block Courage Award Winners

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The stars shined bright in Baltimore on Monday March 12, 2013 as the Ed Block Courage Foundation hosted their 35th Annual Courage Awards presentation. The event, which took place at Martin’s West, featured NFL players who were selected by their respective teams to receive the honor of the Ed Block Courage Award. Each of the NFL’s 32 teams were represented and the night was a great celebration for a wonderful cause. The Baltimore Ravens selected Terrell Suggs as their 2012 Ed Block Courage award recipient. Suggs, the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2011 … Continue reading

Ravens, Ellerbe far apart on the money

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The Baltimore Ravens did not necessarily expect inside linebacker Dannell Ellerbe to depart during the NFL free-agent frenzy that is taking place. The former undrafted pick out of Georgia is expected to sign five-year deal with the Miami Dolphins worth $35 million. Ellerbe  recorded a career high 89 tackles and 4.5 sacks last season and led the Ravens with nine tackles in the victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. I exchanged a few texts this morning with Dannell and it appears that he and the Ravens were never close. … Continue reading

Boldin heading to Africa for relief trip with Larry Fitzgerald and Roddy White

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With all the talk surrounding  Anquan Boldin so far this off-season the Ravens wide receiver is once again giving back worldwide. Boldin, along with Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, have teamed up once again to continue their relief efforts with international relief and developmental relief organization Oxfam America. Joining Boldin and Fitzgerald this year on their three-day trip to Senegal will also be Falcons star Roddy White. While on their mission the trio will work to improve local communities as well as increasing their income and ensuring food security. “I’m looking forward … Continue reading

The NFL’s March Madness set to begin – are you ready?

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It’s time for “March Madness!” And no, I do not mean the college basketball NCAA tournament. I am talking about the month of March and how important it is to the NFL and it’s players. Here is a look at what takes place in the month of March; specifically, March 12, 2013. Beginning on March 9 and running through March 11, NFL clubs are permitted to enter into contract negotiations with certified agents of players who will be Unrestricted Free Agents at the end of the current League Year. Unrestricted … Continue reading

Shaking hands, kissing babies – An evening with Justin Tucker

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Ravens rookie kicker Justin Tucker continues to pack venues all around the Baltimore area celebrating his team’s Super Bowl victory and signing autographs for fans. The undrafted free agent from the University of Texas was on hand last night signing autographs for fans at The Steakhouse on Joppa road in Parkville. The event was hosted by Pristine Graphs along with Prestige Memorabilia and LGC Sports Marketing. Over 200 fans came out to meet Justin, who has become a fan favorite in a short period of time. “It is really cool … Continue reading

Ravens’ Restricted Free Agents – Who should go? Who should stay?

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The sounds of numbers being crunched can be heard for miles as the Ravens prepare to enter into the crazy world of free agency. Looking through the list of Baltimore’s Restricted Free Agents I can not help but ask myself who should stay and who should go? Obviously most of the questions will be answered by how quarterback Joe Flacco’s contract plays out. His agent Joe Linta is scheduled to meet with Ravens top brass this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. Joe will be a Raven. I have no worries … Continue reading

Super Bowl XLVII, a night of records

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Super Bowl XLVII won’t just be remembered as the Baltimore Ravens’ second Lombardi Trophy. It will also have a place in the record books. There were seven records that were broken or tied on Super Bowl Sunday with Baltimore’s Jacoby Jones having four of them. Jones, with his 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, broke three of them with that single play. He now holds the record for the following : Longest Play,  Longest Kickoff Return and Longest Kickoff Return for Touchdown. As if the 108-yard kickoff return was not enough, Jones also added to … Continue reading

“Staying Focused” A 1-on-1 interview with Dannell Ellerbe

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I recently had the opportunity to interview Ravens linebacker Dannell (“Nell”) Ellerbe about his upcoming trip to the Super Bowl. In the 2012 regular season Ellerbe finished second on the team in total tackles (89) third in sacks (4.5) and had a key interception against Tom Brady in the AFC Championship Game. I asked Nell what was going through his mind as Brady dropped back to pass and defensive end Pernell McPhee tipped the pass up in the air. “Aww man, I was thinking this ball was taking forever to get to me and … Continue reading

From rookie to New Orleans bound, Gino Gradkowski’s ride to the “Big Easy”

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Being a rookie in the NFL is much like riding a roller coaster at an amusement park. Waiting in line for your turn to ride, pretty much equals waiting anxiously for your name to be called on draft day. You have seen the ride on television much like a college player sees the pro games and can’t wait to experience the thrill for himself. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Baltimore Ravens rookie center/guard Gino Gradkowski and was curious to hear his thoughts on getting to a Super Bowl in … Continue reading

Art Modell’s induction to Hall Of Fame would be storybook ending

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The Baltimore Ravens will make their second appearance in the Super Bowl after defeating the Patriots 28-13 last night in Foxborough. Catching the Lamar Hunt Trophy presentation, I was proud and honored that the Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti and several Ravens players made mention of former Ravens owner Art Modell. Linebacker Ray Lewis, who had a very close relationship with Art, celebrated wearing a shirt with his picture on the front. Modell  passed away just before the start of the season at the age of 87 and the Ravens continue to celebrate … Continue reading

Haloti Ngata named to USA Football All-Fundamentals Team

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USA Football selected Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to the 2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team on Tuesday afternoon. The team honors 26 NFL players – 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams – who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate. Ngata is the only player to be named to every All-Fundamentals Team. “Ngata is a textbook example of using proper footwork on stunts and interior movement to get off blocks and reach the ball carrier. By keeping his eyes focused on his destination, Ngata works to … Continue reading

Anquan Boldin Foundation hosts inaugural High chool – Clash of Scholar Athletes

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As the Ravens head into the postseason wide receiver Anquan Boldin still finds the time to give back to the community. The Anquan Boldin Foundation, along with Prep & Sports, Inc., are hosting  the inaugural High School – Clash of Scholar Athletes. This highly anticipated event will serve as a means of bringing young football players together, encouraging academic excellence, sportsmanship as well as youth empowerment.   This All-Star week  promotes a competitive but positive environment. The student athletes involved in the event will have a week long of football training … Continue reading

Ravens’ Arthur Jones assists Brick Bodies with Holiday Toy Drive

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Baltimore Ravens defensive end Arthur Jones teamed up with Brick Bodies Gym in Reisterstown, Maryland on Tuesday night December 18 for their inaugural Holiday Toy Drive. Jones, along with several teammates including Jah Reid, Terrence Cody, Bryan Hall and DeAngelo Tyson, were on hand collecting toys to benefit the children of St. Vincent’s Villa. The Ravens’ 2010 draft pick knew from his own experience what it was like to grow up without the same things that other kids had. “Growing up in Rochester and Endicott New York we were less fortunate. We didn’t have … Continue reading

Anquan Boldin makes holidays brighter for 75 students with shopping spree

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Anquan Boldin along with his wife Dionne were at it again on Tuesday December 18 playing Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at the Wal-Mart in Halethorpe, Maryland. The Boldins, along with their Q81 Foundation, sponsored a holiday shopping spree for 75 students from the SEED School of Maryland. Each student was given a $100.00 gift card to purchase whatever they wished. “Christmas is a wonderful season for giving,” stated Anquan Boldin. “The Holiday Shopping Spree is one of several programs the Q81 Foundation conducts each year in multiple cities, selecting schools where holiday … Continue reading

In the presence of a Hero – my evening with Daniel

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Hero- A person of distinguished courage or ability. For the past few years I have had the opportunity to see many NFL player positives in the community. I have witnessed smiles that would melt snow on the coldest day of the year and I have seen smiles that made many of the toughest football players shed a tear. But no grin was bigger than the one of a young man by the name of Daniel Borowy on Tuesday night. Daniel’s story began this past year on August 27 – the first day of school – when tragedy … Continue reading