Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle arrived at training camp on Monday on what would have been his father’s birthday, as his family remained in South Florida to visit his dad’s grave site.
“I was supposed to go with them,” Rolle said after practice on Tuesday. “But mostly, I just wasn’t ready yet.”
The Ravens told Rolle to take as long as he needed to report to McDaniel College in Westminster after his father, Harry, suffered a fatal heart attack two weeks ago — a few days before training camp opened.
Rolle, who is entering his 11th year in the NFL, said being on the field and around his teammates will help him return to normalcy after burying his father on July 26.
“I think it will ease my mind and make me feel like one of the guys again,” he said. “Back in Miami everybody was giving me their condolences which got kind of hard because I had to think about it every day.”
Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan agreed Rolle returning to the field was a major part of the healing process.
“Samari absolutely loves football, it’s a passion for him. This is almost an extended family, so it’s good to get back and be surrounded by it,” Ryan said.
Rolle couldn’t wait to make a tackle as soon as he arrived on Monday. He quickly put on his pads and uniform and was heading to the field before the coaching staff told him he needed to pass a physical before he could participate.
“He came out and blew our running test away so he’s in great shape,” Ryan said.
Rolle participated in individual drills Tuesday, but said it would be three or four days until he would be at full speed.
“It’s just great to see his face, they guys are excited to have him back,” Ravens coach Jim Harbaugh said. “He’ll be back practicing Saturday.”
Rolle’s leadership and work ethic already have been felt off the field. Ryan said he was very active in the secondary’s film session on Monday, constantly replaying routes and talking about the right way to cover them.
Injuries and inexperience hurt the Ravens’ pass defense last season, as the unit allowed 222 yards per game. Rolle missed 10 games, including the last four of the year, while battling epilepsy.
“He’s one of the premier corners in the game, so hopefully he stays healthy,” Ryan said. “He went through a lot last year, but when he played he was tremendous.”
Rolle, who made just 22 tackles and an interception last season, said he will use all the hardships he’s suffered in the past year to make him stronger.
“God doesn’t give you more than you can handle,” he said. “So at the end of the day, I can turn this into a positive somehow.”
daniel.murphy@
baltimoreexaminer.com
