Yesterday while fanning through Facebook on my iPhone I stumbled upon the picture down below posted on Torrey Smith’s page. I’m sure we could all agree that seeing these Super Bowl XLVII Champions in the wrong colors tugs at the heartstrings.
It’s a bitter reminder that change is a commonplace thing in the National Football League and now that the Ravens have paired down their roster to the 53-man limit, only 13 players remain from the team that took the field on February 3, 2013 at the Superdome in New Orleans.
That’s more than a 75% turnover rate!
The players come and they go but the memories, both good and bad resonate.
For those who were on the receiving end of that unwelcomed knock on the door from The Turk yesterday, the respective journeys that make up their lives are altered. Once a third-round pick, Jah Reid will move on. Maybe he’ll get a look from another club. Maybe he won’t.
Asa Jackson, a player who has flashed skills but never on a consistent basis, will he be any better as a New York Giant? Many Ravens fans will label him with unflattering descriptive terms. It comes with territory but beneath it all, Asa is a good guy doing his best.
Yet his best just wasn’t quiet good enough.
Maybe that will change in the Big Apple?
Maybe not.
Anquan Boldin’s journey was re-directed by the salary cap. It was an understandable move at the time yet arguably the most difficult cap-driven move for fans to accept in the team’s 20-season history.
Torrey Smith’s departure was more predictable. He wanted to find financial security for his family’s future and San Francisco willingly overpaid. Right player, right price – the credo didn’t fit the former Terp here in Charm City.
Jacoby Jones, his endearing personality, great sense of humor and electric home run hitting capabilities are all unforgettable, and perhaps blind many from the weaknesses in his game. 2014 was proof that Jacoby isn’t THAT guy anymore and his gun-shy approach to fielding short punts cost the Ravens field position far too often. But we’ll remember that 108-yard TD romp in the Super Bowl and his appearances on late-night talk show sporting his Ravens bandana.
And we’ll smile when we think back and reminisce about their accomplishments.
Moments in time, one at a time.
One moment in time.
Here’s to all of these men who have moved on. Some have etched indelible pictures into our collective brain, providing moments that are permanent fixtures in our city’s football heritage.
And to all of the Jah Reids and Asa Jacksons who have come and gone without leaving such pictures behind. May they get their careers, their lives back on track and discover happiness either on or away from the gridiron.
May your failures fuel your ambitions and propel future success and pictures that echo in eternity.
