Past And Present Ravens Players With Service Ties
In honor of Veteran's Day today, we're taking a look at some past and present Baltimore Ravens that have some ties to military service.
The Ravens have had three players that have served their country; Mike Anderson, Chuck Evans and Robert McCune.
Mike Anderson served in the Marine Corps in 1996. He joined the Ravens during the 2006 season, he was third string behind Jamal Lewis and Musa Smith. He finished in 2006 with 39 carries for 143 yards and 1 touchdown.
When Brian Billick was given the head coaching job of the Baltimore Ravens, a few of his players, including Chuck Evans, decided to follow him. In 1999, Evans had his most productive year offensively with the Ravens. Evans served in the Marine Corps before he joined the NFL.
In 2007, the Baltimore Ravens signed Robert McCune to the practice squad, then promoted him to the active roster, recording four tackles in two games. After being cut, the Ravens decided to re-sign McCune on November 11 only to release him on November 20. The Ravens re-signed him again on December 31 when wide receiver Marcus Maxwell was placed on injured reserve. He was non-tendered on March 14, 2009, and became a free agent again. But before all of that, he served in the Navy National Guard from 1997-2000.
Some more recent ties can be made with Coach John Harbaugh. Harbaugh is an advocate of the U.S. Military, and has been awarded the Salute to Service Award, acknowledging exceptional efforts by those in the league who honor and support military members.
Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. was announced as the Ravens' nominee for the Salute to Service Award this year. The award honors an NFL member who demonstrates an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community. Finalists will be announced in January and the winner recognized Feb. 6. Smith has held football camps around the world for children of military members — all free of charge.
Thank you for your service!