Six years is a minuscule amount of time when placed in the context of world history.
But in the world of professional football and the NFL, six years seems like eons. In an age of salary caps and free agency, teams don?t stay together for long periods of time. The Ravens are no exception, as nearly six years have passed since the team hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after knocking off the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
Since the end of that season, Baltimore has gone through seven starting quarterbacks, while the Ravens? opposing coach in that Super Bowl, Jim Fassel, is now their offensive coordinator. Just eight players on this year?s roster were members of that championship team.
One of those players, center Mike Flynn, said he can?t believe how fast time has passed, giving him a greater appreciation for what the Ravens accomplished in 2000. He added this is even more true now that Baltimore has failed to make the playoffs in three of the last four years.
“It goes by quick,” Flynn said. “We win one, you have some talent on your team and you think you are going to go on a run for two or three years. We had some good teams after the fact, but it?s been awhile. Some of the veteran guys at the end of their careers realize we have one or two more years to stay healthy and try to make another run.”
Kicker Matt Stover, the last Ravens player that played for the old Cleveland Browns, shares a similar sentiment as he enters his 17th season in the league and 16th with this franchise. Stover said he is even more appreciative to be with the same team after so many seasons in the NFL.
“Many years ago, I really discovered how much a privilege it is to play in this league,” Stover said. “For me to stay with one team for 16 of my 17 years is an amazing thing. The biggest thing is you take care of the opportunity today because tomorrow is not promised to you. As a player, you have to seize the moment and do whatever you can to win. That?s what I try to tell these guys.”
Offensive tackle Edwin Mulitalo, who joined the Ravens in 1999, said he knows what it takes to get to the Super Bowl again, having gotten there once. He believes this year?s team has that capability if everyone plays up to their potential.
“On paper, I think we are a Super Bowl team,” he said. “But that?s only on paper. We have to go out there and back that up on the field.”
2000 RAVENS STILL WITH THE TEAM
K Matt Stover
CB Chris McAlister
RB Jamal Lewis
LB Ray Lewis
C Mike Flynn
G Edwin Mulitalo
OT Jonathan Ogden
LB Adalius Thomas
