The Baltimore Ravens are one of those mighty teams in the 2023 NFL season who are strongly projected to secure a playoff run this year. With quarterback Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat performance, many think the team is on the way to earning its third Super Bowl this season.
Except for going down to their divisional rival Cleveland Browns weeks ago, the Ravens are getting stronger only. With a 9-3 record, they are proudly sitting atop the AFC North and are in the race for the top spot in the AFC standings, following the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent loss. Meanwhile, the Ravens are going to miss one of their veteran linebackers Josh Bynes as he decided to put an end to his NFL career.
Josh Bynes announces retirement
From Josh Bynes’ collegiate days leading Auburn to a national championship, doubts swirled about his transition to the professional stage. However, he defied all odds and had enjoyed a 12-year career in the NFL. The veteran leaves behind an enduring legacy in the league as he bids adieu to his prolonged career.
“Today, @bynestime56 will officially retire as a Raven. Congratulations on your retirement, Josh”, Ravens official website wrote in a statement.
Amidst the celebrations and acknowledgments on his retirement, the Ravens star got emotional while shedding light on his proudest achievement- his “perseverance’. Undeterred by setbacks, rejections, and the skepticism of naysayers, the LB discussed how he emerged as a testament to the power of unwavering determination.
“The thing I’m most proud of is perseverance. I’ve been released, cut. I’ve been told I wasn’t good enough, not fast enough to play in the league, wouldn’t be in the league long at all even if I had the opportunity to play. I can show my peers that regardless of what anybody says, you can do anything. You just go out there and prove it every single day. I feel like I proved that for my entire 12 years”, he said per SI.com.
From the inception of his professional career to its closure, the Ravens team embraced him as family. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support while acknowledging the team as his home, where he found unparalleled treatment for himself and his family.
“The Ravens have been home. The way they treat me, my family, there’s no place like it.”
Transitioning into a new phase of life, Josh Bynes now resides in Atlanta, taking on the role of a dedicated father to his three sons. He supports them in their sports endeavors, and also harbors aspirations of delving into coaching by seeking to share his wealth of experience and knowledge with the next generation of footballers.
Josh Bynes NFL career highlights
The inception of Josh Bynes’ NFL expedition began in 2011 when the Ravens recognized his potential and signed him as an undrafted free agent from Auburn University. He etched his place in the team’s lore by culminating in a pivotal role during their Super Bowl triumph in 2012.
The veteran’s defining moment arrived in the championship game, where his final tackle sealed Baltimore’s victory against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.
The linebacker was later signed by the Detroit Lions in 2014 from the Ravens practice squad and spent three years with the team before a short tenure with the Arizona Cardinals. After two seasons with the Cardinals, he was back with the Ravens in 2019 before spending a season with the Cincinnati Bengals. He later returned for his third stint with the Ravens.
The 12-year NFL star recorded 582 tackles, 8.5 sacks along with four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries as well as five interceptions, and 34 passes defended. His best individual season came with the Bengals when he amassed 99 tackles, along with one sack, one fumble recovery as well as two passes defended.
What’s your take on the Ravens LB’s illustrious career?
