Left tackle Jonathan Ogden, the Ravens? first pick in the NFL draft after arriving from Cleveland, has been selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls during a career that likely will end with him being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ogden, however, might have played his last game during a 27-21 victory over Pittsburgh to conclude the season on Sunday.
What was it like to hold your son, Jayden, as the final minutes ticked off the clock?
It was nice. I just wanted to make sure if it was my last game, I got a chance to bring my son down on the field, get a picture on the field, so we’ll have something to remember it [by]. He’s only two and a half, three soon, but that was good. I was glad he was there.
What were your thoughts as you ran through the tunnel and onto the field at M&T Bank Stadium before the game?
[Ogden takes a deep breath] Running out, I was just looking up and ready to go for the game. Everything today was kind of focus on the game, but as the same time try to remember and enjoy as much as you can. It was kind of an odd thing to balance, but I was able to it today.
What would you like to tell Baltimore if Sunday was your last game?
I would just say thank you for being there, watching me. It’s been a pleasure playing for this city, this team, these fans. I’ve watched this team grow from a team that moved from Cleveland to playing in Memorial Stadium to probably the best 12th man in the game. This city and me, we’ve grown together with this team, so I’m just grateful to have been a part of it.
