2008 was a memorable year for the Ravens on so many levels. From the unexpected run to the AFC Championship game to the encouraging play of rookie quarterback Joe Flacco, the season brought much joy and excitement to the fans of Baltimore.
But beyond any accomplishment on the field, the most impressive achievement was the courage and inspiration of Director of Player Development O.J. Brigance. The former Baltimore Stallion and Raven continues to influence young players and show us all what it means to be a man.
This past week, ESPNโs Outside the Lines featured Briganceโs remarkable story. Itโs difficult to see how ALS has stricken the Super Bowl and Grey Cup championโs body, but it has not affected his mind or, more importantly, his soul. His story is one of perseverance, faith, and purpose.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeDauc4fb70[/youtube]

Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
Podcast Audio Vault
Right Now in Baltimore
Giving some heavenly birthday love to The Papou at Costas Inn as Dundalk memories remain eternal
As the new Costas Inn North is set to open this month at the Timonium Race Course Grandstand, we offer a birthday tribute to Mister Costas with Nick Triantafilos and Chuck Jacobs joining Nestor on the Maryland Crab Cake Tourโฆ
Only the bats can save Orioles' season
The on-again, off-again bats of the young Baltimore Orioles lineup has been even more disappointing than the injured and patchwork pitching staff. After a bullpen meltdown against Toronto, Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Orioles' mostly youthful bats needing toโฆ
The power of youth sports to bring Baltimore together
It was serendipity that old-school listener and realtor Greg Szczepaniak chose to join the Maryland Crab Cake Tour at Costas Inn to discuss South Baltimore Little League baseball mojo while sitting in with longtime Terps basketball assistant coach Bino Ranson,โฆ