I didn’t grow up with American football.
I grew up with the original football, or as people here call it: soccer. Everyone around me in the suburbs of Athens, Greece, either watched soccer or basketball.
When it came time for my parents to ask me what sport I was interested in, I picked basketball. I eventually dreamed of becoming a professional and playing for Panathinaikos, my favorite team in Greece, because who didn’t?
That dream came to an end in the summer of fifth grade, when my parents broke some unexpected news to me. My younger sister and I would be moving to the United States the following summer. Being the young and carefree child I was back then, I didn’t take her seriously.
A year later, my parents announced to us exactly what I hoped to not hear: It was true.
During that transitional period, my passion for sports helped me escape from reality. Watching highlights of the day’s matches would soothe me whenever I stressed about leaving that warm bubble of comfort in Greece for this new unknown chapter.
After arriving permanently in Maryland, we moved in with my great uncle Spiros for a few months. He had lived in the U.S. for quite some time and had become an avid football fan.
One day, out of sheer curiosity, I sat down on the couch with him as he watched TV. The two Maryland teams, the Ravens and the Washington Commanders, then the Redskins, were playing. My initial confusion led me to ask questions about this hard-hitting game, which my young eyes interpreted as 22 grown men running around, chasing a pigskin and tackling each other.
Eventually, as I understood the game more, it quickly became one of my favorite pastimes. I started to look forward to 1 p.m. on Sundays –– just me and Uncle Spiros in the living room, watching football for hours.
My knowledge began to expand outside the Maryland teams, but my heart found a soft spot for the local team. Since it was my great uncle who introduced me to this ruthless, yet beautiful game, it only felt right to support one team. It was the team that made him fall in love with the sport, and by association, had the same effect on me: the Baltimore Ravens.
The first squad I remember was in 2015, captained by 2012 Super Bowl champion and quarterback Joe Flacco. Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. became my favorite player in the league with his elite route-running ability and hands of glue. On the other side of him were Kamar Aiken and Marlon Brown, with the elusive Justin Forsett leading the backfield. I developed a bizarre favoritism toward the tight ends, particularly Dennis Pitta and Crockett Gilmore.
As is the case with all great Baltimore teams, the Raven’s defense was its pillar. Jimmy Smith, Lardarius Webb, Elvis Dumervil and C.J. Mosley were all studs, but the team’s most outstanding player was its leader, Terrell Suggs. He played the game with a ferocity and urge like no other. Nonetheless, all of these players represented an infectious culture I eagerly embraced as part of their fanbase.
This stands true even today. The last few years with Lamar Jackson at the helm have had Baltimore buzzing. His electrifying playstyle makes this Ravens team must-see TV, and his regular season campaigns have been nothing short of amazing. Earning two MVPs, leading his team to the AFC’s No. 1 seed twice and making the playoffs all but one year since 2018 is some remarkable stuff.
Where skeptics find good counter arguments are the team’s postseason struggles. Since 2019, the Ravens are just 2-5 in the playoffs, with just one AFC Championship appearance. While the team’s regular season success hasn’t translated to where it matters most, there’s still reason to be optimistic.
Derrick Henry looks like the king of old, which opens up the passing game for this dynamic offense. Defensively, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has found his team’s leader in Roquan Smith, and the Ravens’ front seven has some under-the-radar talent. However, don’t sleep on them too much, because they pack a big punch when they swing. Just ask Josh Allen and his Bills last week, after losing to the Ravens 35-10.
What started as a way to bond with my uncle blossomed into a passion that allowed me to connect to this new American culture.
Football gave me a sense of belonging, and my love for the game has only deepened. I never thought moments of curiosity on my uncle’s sofa would turn into lifelong memories. This used to be a sport I knew next to nothing about, but it has now become an integral part of who I am.
The Ravens gave me a home base that I am proud to support, through all the ups and downs, and the NFL gave me excuses to procrastinate homework and have a good time watching football with my friends.
