With the start of the new league year Wednesday brought the official departures of two of the best players in franchise history.
Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker and 2011 Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs and Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player and best quarterback in franchise history Joe Flacco offered their farewells as Suggs, an Arizona native, has joined the Cardinals and Flacco was officially traded to the Denver Broncos. Given his passion for movies, Suggs posting a farewell video on Twitter wasn’t surprising. The stoic Flacco took a simpler approach with his goodbye.
There isn’t a word that could ever describe what you meant to me. The LOVE, RESPECT, and LOYALTY that you’ve shown me has been like no other. You’ll always have a piece of my heart.
I Love You pic.twitter.com/qhF8u9lGnN— T.S STARK (@untouchablejay4) March 13, 2019
To the Ravens, the fans, and the city of Baltimore: Thank you for an incredible 11 years. I’ll always be proud and grateful for my time spent as your quarterback. Though it’s time to move on, this team will always mean so much to me. #ravensflock pic.twitter.com/Ln6EgWepdU
— Joe Flacco (@JoeFlacco) March 13, 2019
Not to be outdone, the Ravens produced a pair of terrific tribute videos sure to have you reminiscing — and wondering why the room suddenly became so dusty.
This year will mark the first time in team history the roster will not feature Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, or Suggs as the first two members of that old defensive guard have taken their places in Canton. Suggs seems poised to join them one day after 16 superb seasons with the Ravens.
The coming season will also feature Lamar Jackson as Baltimore’s first opening day starting quarterback not named Flacco since Brian Billick’s final season as head coach. Flacco’s 2012 postseason run epitomized his ability to raise his play when it mattered most, a trait we can all appreciate in this game called life.
It’s truly the end of an era in Baltimore.
8Thanks for the memories, 55. pic.twitter.com/20aYEevG0h
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 13, 2019
Thank you, Joe. pic.twitter.com/RQtRiILK5u
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 13, 2019
