Ravens, Not Corvids: The Story Behind the Name
So, you're wondering why a football team is named after a bird that's more associated with spooky poems and ominous omens than touchdowns and field goals? Well, buckle up, because this story is as twisted as a Poe plot.
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| What Were The Baltimore Ravens Named After |
A Raven by Any Other Name...
Let's get one thing straight: the Baltimore Ravens aren't named after your average, garden-variety crow with a bad attitude. No, these birds are descendants of Edgar Allan Poe's feathered muse. That's right, the same raven that kept whispering "Nevermore" to a heartbroken dude. Talk about a team with a dramatic backstory!
Tip: Read once for gist, twice for details.
Now, you might be thinking, "Why on Earth would they choose a bird of gloom and doom as a mascot?" Well, it turns out that Poe was quite the Baltimorean. The city was his adopted home, and his iconic poem, "The Raven," was penned there. So, when the NFL decided to bring a team back to Baltimore after the Colts' heartbreaking departure, they wanted a name that captured the city's spirit and history. And what better way to do that than with a nod to their most famous literary resident?
Tip: The middle often holds the main point.
A Flock of Fan Favorites
The name "Ravens" wasn't just plucked out of thin air, though. It was the result of a fan contest that drew thousands of entries. Can you imagine the brainstorming sessions? "The Baltimore Crabcakes," "The Maryland Terrapins," and "The Inner Harbor Whalers" probably made the shortlist before someone had a Poe-inspired epiphany.
QuickTip: Don’t ignore the small print.
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But let's be honest, "Ravens" is just cool. It's mysterious, menacing, and has a certain edge to it. Perfect for a football team, right? Plus, it gave the team a built-in color scheme: black and purple. How convenient!
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
More Than Just a Name
The Ravens' name is more than just a marketing ploy. It's a symbol of Baltimore's resilience and determination. After the loss of the Colts, the city was devastated. But the rise of the Ravens helped to heal those wounds and give fans a new team to rally behind.
So, the next time you see a Ravens fan decked out in purple and black, remember that they're not just cheering for a football team; they're celebrating the spirit of a city and paying homage to a literary legend.
How to Raven Like a Pro
- How to understand the Ravens' appeal: Embrace the dark and mysterious. Channel your inner Poe.
- How to dress like a true Ravens fan: Purple and black everything. Don't be afraid to add some feathers.
- How to impress your fellow fans: Know your Poe, your team history, and be prepared to debate the greatest Ravens player of all time.
- How to survive a Ravens game: Wear layers. The weather in Baltimore can be unpredictable.
- How to truly appreciate the Ravens: Experience a game at M&T Bank Stadium. The atmosphere is electric.
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