Former Baltimore Raven linebacker Jameel McClain won’t be returning to the Ravens in 2014 after all.
McClain announced late Thursday night that he will be joining the New York Giants this upcoming season and thanked everyone in the Ravens organization and all the Ravens fans who have supported him over the years.
“For the past 6 years I have been privileged to be a member of one of the great sports franchises in this country, and to make Baltimore my home…I am blessed because of the opportunity, and forever grateful that Ozzie Newsome and his staff recognized my potential and gave me a chance, that John Harbaugh and all my coaches helped me develop my skill…and that Steven Bisciotti proved to me that hard work does indeed pay off…I want to thank the Ravens organization for all of their support…and my teammates, without which none of this would be here, and my future would not be quite as bright.
To the city of Baltimore and its great fans – even though I’m moving on to the Big Apple, my community work is something that will carry on here – as I will continue my commitment to change and to improve the lives of others!!…thank you for your support and encouragement…you have made me a better person.
To NY/NJ and the Giants nation…here I come!…as one of my predecessors shouted to the world, “Can’t Wait”!!
#nextchapter #blessed #philly/NY/MD/back2NY
The Ravens took a gamble on McClain in 2008 as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Syracuse. Through hard work and dedication, McClain earned a spot on the Ravens roster and turned in a solid career with the purple and black.
Earlier this month when the team announced they parted ways with the veteran linebacker, head coach John Harbaugh alluded to a possible return of McClain.
“There is so much to like about Jameel the player and the person,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a true leader and his story from rookie free agent to NFL starter is one of the best in the league. You give him so much credit for finding a way to become the player he is. He’s one of those who gets the most out of his ability. He has a lot of football left and, maybe, that could be with the Ravens down the line.”
It won’t be with the Ravens in 2014, however McClain will have his chance to continue his career with the Giants as well as his community efforts which he holds near an dear.
Good luck Jameel!
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
