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The World Champion Baltimore Ravens traveled a short distance to Washington D.C. to celebrate their Super Bowl victory with the President on Monday. The Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013 by defeating the San Francisco 49ers, 34-31.
To start off the morning (roughly 10:15 A.M. EST), the Ravens practiced lining up in front of the Presidential Seal, right where President Obama was set to speak. They then practiced lining up one-by-one, walking by, and shaking the President's hand.
President Obama arrived around 12:10 P.M. EST, Head Coach John Harbaugh and General Manager Ozzie Newsome walked beside him. The President walked onstage, shook the hands of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Ray Rice; then he proceeded to speak.
The speech was lighthearted, hilarious, and knowledgeable. President Obama talked about many things that had to do with some of the individual players, the audience, and the team's season in general.
"What kind of introduction was that?" said President Obama immediately after coming up onstage, "No smoke machines, no fire cannons-- Obama didn't even tear up chunks of turf and rub them on his suit. Which reminds me, by the way, please don't do that on the side lawn," Obama said jokingly, looking directly at Ray Lewis.
The President then spoke about the audience at the ceremony.
"I know there are some very proud Ravens fans in the house today. Got the entire delegation from Maryland here and they're a little pumped up. I noticed I'm the only one wearing purple... seems like some of you guys didn't get the memo."
After this, President Obama spoke about the season the Ravens had, along with the injuries and the magnificent playoff wins. Obama talks about Jacoby Jones and how he was on Dancing with the Stars. He then spoke about a few other players.
"Joe was the game's M.V.P. --- Where's Joe? --- Good timing with that contract, huh? Capped off one of the greatest postseasons ever by a quarterback. Over 1,100 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and no interceptions. I don't know about you, Joe, but I think that qualifies as elite," said Obama looking at Joe Flacco, with a smile on his face.
He proceeded to talk about the determination of people like John Harbaugh, O.J. Brigance, and Torrey Smith. He then talked about Ray Lewis and Ed Reed and about their new lives away from the Ravens, but how they still mean so much to the city of Baltimore.
He then said these things about Ray Lewis and Ed Reed:
"Ray retired on top, after coming back from a tricep injury, which I believe is caused by that dance he does." Ray eggs Obama on to do the dance, and Obama says laughingly, "No, I'm not doing that dance!"
"Ed sprained ligaments in both of his knees during the Super Bowl, but he still made the game's only interception. And before he left for Houston, where he will be playing next year, Ed took out a full-page ad in the Baltimore Sun to thank Ravens fans, saying 'I have such deep love for all of you,' that's a class-act." Obama then says jokingly after looking at Ed, "I will point out, by the way, that Ed's getting some gray hair though. Now I'm not the only one. --- You look like an old man. That makes me feel better. I thought I was the only guy."
After this, President Obama mentioned all of the charitable actions the Ravens were a part of in the past year, along with the events coming up for the Ravens and their organization, charity wise.
Lastly, Mr. President mentions the match-up between the Chicago Bears and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11.
"Congratulations again on your Super Bowl championship, best of luck next season, you're going to need it in Week 11 when you go to my hometown of Chicago to play the Bears."
After the speech, Ozzie Newsome and John Harbaugh stepped up to the podium to thank the President on behalf of the Ravens organization. John Harbaugh also said:
"We are grateful to be here, and I just want you to know that we have plans to be back next year."
After the two spoke, pictures were taken and the players and coaches shook President Obama's hand one-by-one as they walked offstage toward the buses.
OLD FACES:
It was fun to be able to see Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, two guys that the city of Baltimore and Ravens fans miss very much. It was also cool to see guys like Dannell Ellerbe, whom are a part of another team, but took time to celebrate the Super Bowl victory with the Ravens.
Overall, it was a festive environment, very fun, and a great day to be a Raven. I am hoping that all of our guys had a great time, and Coach Harbaugh will be right, we will be back next year.
I would like to thank President Obama for hosting our boys, treating them to a good day, and a few good laughs. Here's to the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens!