About 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.

Ray Lewis’ Summer Days event shines

Posted on June 17, 2013 by Brian Bower

Number 52 was back in Baltimore over the weekend and it wasn’t for mandatory mini-camp this season. Retired Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was in town to celebrate his 9th Annual Walmart Ray’s Summer Days program. Entering its 9th year, Walmart Ray’s Summer Days has established itself as the premier summertime fundraising event in Baltimore. Since the inception of Summer Days, the Ray Lewis Family Foundation has taken major steps towards raising significant money and economic benefits for the community of Baltimore, State of Maryland and additional international charities. A sold-out crowd was … Continue reading →

Up Close & Personal with Justin Tucker

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Brian Bower

Over sixty fans gathered for a night to remember at the Sports Legends Museum in downtown Baltimore on Tuesday night for a private question and answer session with Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl kicker Justin Tucker. Hosted by the Russell Street Report’s own Tony Lombardi, Ravens fans got to know Justin and the journey that brought him to Baltimore and what it is like being a kicker in the NFL. So join us as we take a look at Justin Tucker the man, the kicker and the comedian. Tony Lombardi: … Continue reading →

WEBB GEMS: Lardarius shines during charity softball game

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Brian Bower

Thousands of fans gathered at Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen, Maryland on Sunday afternoon and not for IronBirds’ baseball. Instead it was to watch Ravens cornerback Lardarius Webb’s annual charity softball game to benefit his Lardarius Webb Foundation. “The turnout was great. Without the fans, this event wouldn’t even be possible. Just knowing my foundation, they’re giving to a great cause. It’s all about the kids. I love the kids.” stated Webb who took it easy during the game as he continues to recover from a torn ACL. Joining Webby were several … Continue reading →

Ravens Kelechi Osemele is a star in the making

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Brian Bower

The Baltimore Ravens may have found gold in Kelechi Osemele when the team selected him 60th overall in the 2012 NFL Draft. Most players selected in the second-round may take a year or so to groom to become NFL ready at their respective position. Not K.O. The tackle/guard out of Iowa State who had one of the most impressive rookie seasons and provided a security blanket for quarterback Joe Flacco. The 6ft. 5in. 335lb gentle giant started all 16 regular season games at right tackle during his rookie campaign. Osemele helped … Continue reading →

Ray Lewis to tackle Mt. Kilimanjaro

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Brian Bower

What is next for the man that has seemingly done it all both on the field and off? Retired Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is at it again. This time the 13-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money and awareness for clean water projects in East Africa. Next month Lewis, who recently was hired by ESPN as an NFL football analyst, is going to attempt to scale the highest free-standing mountain in the world (measuring in at … Continue reading →

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

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on March 29, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on March 19, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on March 13, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Brian Bower

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?

Posted on February 28, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on February 20, 2013 by Brian Bower

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?

Posted on February 19, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on January 23, 2013 by Brian Bower

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”

Posted on January 22, 2013 by Brian Bower

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

Posted on January 21, 2013 by Brian Bower

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 →