TED MARCHIBRODA TRAY WALKER The 2016 Balti more Ravens Yearbook is dedicated to two people who will forever be known as important members of the Ravens Family. TED MARCHIBRODA, former head coach of the Baltimore Colts and the rst head coach in Baltimore Ravens history, passed away peacefully on Jan 16, 2016 at the age of 84. Ted spent 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, including time with the Baltimore Colts (1975-79), Indianapolis Colts (1992-95) and Baltimore Ravens (1996-98). He compiled an 87-98-1 regular season record as a head coach, adding a 2-4 mark in postseason play. Marchibroda and Hall of Famer Don Shula are tied with the second-most total victories (73) in Colts franchise history (Tony Dungy – 92). With the Baltimore Colts, Marchibroda guided his club to three-straight playoff appearances and division titles (1975- 77), posting a career-best 11-3 record in 1976. Leading Indianapolis to a postseason berth in 1995, the Colts advanced to the AFC Championship game before falling to the Steelers. In that contest, Indianapolis came within one dropped “Hail Mary” touchdown pass of advancing to the Super Bowl. Marchibroda’s Ravens were 4-12 in their inaugural 1996 season. Producing a 6-9-1 record in 1997, Baltimore fought valiantly while playing with one of the NFL’s youngest rosters. That year, the Ravens dropped six games by a total of 15 points. In 1998, Baltimore went 6-10, with seven of those games decided by seven points or fewer. Marchibroda also played professional football as a quarterback for Pittsburgh (1953, 1955-56) and the Chicago Cardinals (1957). A rst-round draft choice of the Steelers in 1953, he was selected fth overall out of the University of Detroit. Marchibroda originally began his collegiate career at St. Bonaventure College from 1950-51, but after the football program was dropped, he transferred to Detroit. It was there that he led the nation in total offense in 1952. Following his rookie season with Pittsburgh, he served in the U.S. Army for one year (1954) and then returned to play football in 1955. “Ted is a founding father of the Ravens. He was a tremendous competitor and a tough man with a gentle soul,” said Ozzie Newsome. “In a way, he set the Ravens’ path. He wanted players who owned what he called ‘a football temperament.’ Those are players who love all aspects of the game – the mental part, lifting weights, practice and the physicality. That eventually became what we now call ‘Playing Like a Raven.’ He was classy in every way.” Ted is survived by his wife, Ann, their four children – two daughters, Jodi and Lonni, and two sons, Ted Jr. and Robert – and six grandchildren. In March, the Ravens helped lay to rest one of their own by celebrating the life of TRAY WALKER, a young man who endeared himself to many after just one season in Baltimore. Their beloved Tray – known for his vibrantly fun personality, dedication to teammates, fun-loving attitude and determination to succeed – was honored by hundreds of people at a funeral service in his hometown of Miami, Fla., just days after he passed away on March 18 following a motorcycle accident in South Florida. Walker, who was selected by the Ravens in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, played in eight games during his rookie season. He posted one tackle and saw action primarily on special teams. The Texas Southern graduate, who earned All- Conference honors and a degree in criminal justice, dedicated his rookie campaign to his late father, who died of a heart attack in 2014. Prior to his time at Texas Southern and with the Ravens, Walker prepped at Miami Northwestern HS, where he lettered in football, basketball and track and eld. He was also a teammate of NFL rst-round draft selections WR Amari Cooper (Raiders) and QB Teddy Bridgewater (Vikings), who attended Walker’s funeral services. Approximately 45 members of the Ravens organization – teammates, coaches and front of ce staff – also joined Walker’s family and friends on March 26 at the 93rd Street Community Baptist Church to honor him. Among those in attendance were general manager/executive vice president Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbaugh, who side-by-side led every member of the Ravens’ procession into the church, with each person stopping at Walker’s casket to pay respect. One of nine people to eulogize Walker, Harbaugh spoke warmly about the 23-year-old. In his heartfelt remarks, Harbaugh highlighted Walker’s beaming grin, love of family and competitive drive. “The first thing I noticed was that smile – that big Tray Walker smile,” Harbaugh recalled, drawing cheers from the crowd. On an emotionally-charged afternoon – one lled with a mixture of heartbreak and happiness – Harbaugh concluded his remarks how he knew best: “Tray Walker, we love you and are going to miss you.” IN MEMORIAM 16 • 2016 BALTIMORE RAVENS YEARBOOK
2016 Baltimore Ravens Yearbook
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