On a picture perfect day at the White House, the Ravens soaked up the sun, and basked in the glow of being President Obama’s guests.
Wednesday’s s White House ceremony was another enjoyable walk down memory lane for the Super Bowl champs. The players, coaches, and general manager Ozzie Newsome lined up on a staircase facing the White House lawn. Then President Obama walked out from the White House, stood behind the podium with the Lombardi Trophy nearby, and lauded the Ravens for being champions that Baltimore could be proud of.
“These Ravens always pulled through,” Obama said.
It was a Kodak moment that none of the Ravens who attended will ever forget. Ray Lewis was there. So was Ed Reed, standing on the steps next to Lewis. And the President was in a jovial mode, both praising and teasing the Ravens.
When Obama talked about Joe Flacco’s stellar playoff performance, the President alluded to Flacco’s new contract, turning around and saying to Flacco, “Good timing.”
Flacco laughed in obvious agreement.
Obama also made mention of Torrey Smith’s courage, when he played against the Patriots during the regular season just one day after the death of his brother. And of course, the President mentioned Lewis and Reed.
“These two won’t be wearing purple next year, and everybody will have to get used to that,” Obama said. “That’s welcome news for quarterbacks. Ray retired on top, coming back from a triceps injury, which I believe was caused by that dance he does. I’m not doing that dance.”
Obama then took a poke at Reed, teasing him about his gray hair.
“I’m not the only one,” Obama said, looking at Reed and smiling. “You look like an old man. That makes me feel better.”
Ravens director of player development, O. J. Brigance, who suffers from ALS, also got a special mention from Obama. After finishing his remarks, Obama posed for pictures with Brigance, after shaking hands with every player as they filed past him.
Coach John Harbaugh spoke briefly, and got a roar from friends and family when he said, “We have plans to be back here next year.”
The Ravens will have an OTA practice on Thursday, then their celebration will continue Friday night, when they have a private ring ceremony.
After that, Reed will begin a new chapter of his career in Houston with the Texans. Lewis will continue his new life post-NFL.
There is still plenty of time for the Ravens to focus on 2013. But on Wednesday, they thoroughly enjoyed looking back, and being treated like champions at the White House.
