Baltimore Ravens

In Baltimore, "Play Like a Raven" isn't a marketing slogan; it's a standard. It was forged by legends like Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs. It means physical, punishing football. It means you don't just tackle; you arrive with bad intentions. This identity resonates deeply with the city of Baltimore, a blue-collar town that values grit over glitz.

Even as the team has evolved with the electrifying offense of Lamar Jackson, that defensive DNA remains. The Flock expects their team to be the bully on the block, especially when playing bitter rivals like the Steelers.

If you visit Baltimore during football season, Friday is not just Friday—it's Purple Friday. The entire city transforms. Office buildings light up in purple, schools encourage kids to wear jerseys, and even the curbs seem to get painted. It's a unifying civic event that builds tension and excitement leading into Sunday.

The marching band, "Baltimore's Marching Ravens," is one of only two official marching bands in the NFL (along with Washington). Their performances keep the energy traditional and collegiate, a nod to the deep football roots in Maryland.

M&T Bank Stadium fits perfectly into the Camden Yards sports complex. It offers spectacular views of the Baltimore skyline, but opposing teams rarely enjoy the scenery. The stadium is loud, hostile, and intimidating. The "Real Fan Dan" cheer—where superfan Dan leads the stadium in a spell-out cheer while stripping off layers of clothes—is a bizarre but beloved tradition that signals it's time to get loud.