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Back in March, free agent addition Earl Thomas stated in a press conference that he would don the jersey number 29 after working it out with cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
"Me and Marlon worked it out. I'll be wearing 29." @Earl_Thomas pic.twitter.com/nkKXn3V7Fb
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 15, 2019
In the presser, Thomas mentions he may donate money to Barbara Humphrey’s summer track team, Marlon’s mother.
Initially, Humphrey requested money in exchange for the number, but rescinded, stating that’s not who he is.
I initially asked Earl for money and later that day I realized that’s not who I am. So I texted him and said he can have it. I respect what he has done and accolades in 29. Didn’t want to alter that for a number I’ve accomplished nothing in.
— Fruit PUNCH (@marlon_humphrey) March 15, 2019
Now, this chapter and story has a feel-good ending, with a thank you video posted by the third-year cornerback, filled with young athletes going through drills and thanking Earl for his charity.
“A Special Thank You To Earl Thomas Of The Baltimore Ravens For His Generous Donation To Speed City Summer Track Club!”
From beginning to end, this has been an interesting side-story of this offseason.
The Ravens added a big-time addition to the roster. He and Marlon teased one another on Twitter, until ultimately figuring out what works best for both of them. Now, Humphrey will sport his father’s NFL jersey number on the gridiron and Barbara’s track team received a charitable donation.