OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The NFL season is underway for the Baltimore Ravens.
The team hosted its first full practice on Sunday and despite the absence of star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed the workout with an illness, the fans flocked to catch a glimpse of the defending AFC North champions.
“My dad and his family were always Ravens fans. I guess I just followed his lead playing football and always loved the game, so I guess I just followed in his footsteps," explained 12-year-old Vito Guccione. "Pretty fun so far, can’t wait to see what happens next.”
Guccione came to the team's practice facility in Owings Mills, Maryland all the way from New Jersey with a group of friends. One of the parents scored free tickets and drove the kids down in the morning. They took advantage of the food trucks, tire toss and mini-football field that are all part of the Ravens Fan Zone.
Allan Hunter is a youth football coach in East Baltimore. His organization secured 70 tickets to the first practice and the coaches handled the rest. The players range in age from 4-to-14.
“It’s hectic with the little ones, but it’s a good experience for them so we got to bring them," Hunter said with a smile. "They can see exactly what to do. It’s better for them to see than to just have us talk and tell them stuff like that.”
The fans aren't the only ones excited about the first practice.
Former Penn State kicker Jordan Stout begins his third season with the Ravens as their punter.
"You know, the first day is all about getting back into the swing of things, finding your rhythm again," Stout explained. "It’s really great to be around the entire team and just be back together.”
“This is very exciting, it’s day one right, day one of the 2024 year, the fans get to come out here and see what we’re trying to build for this 2024 season," added Ravens Manager of Advertising & Media Bryan Corvera.
"The big thing is giving everybody an opportunity to feel a Ravens game day or a Ravens experience and here at training camp, this is one way to do it.”
The Ravens start the preseason at home against the Eagles on Aug. 9.