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Should Keenan Reynolds Be Allowed To Wear Number 19?

By Chris Schisler

Dec 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) runs during the first quarter against the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Navy Midshipmen quarterback Keenan Reynolds (19) runs during the first quarter against the Army Black Knights at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Debating Whether Keenan Reynolds Should Wear A Sacred Number

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The history of the Baltimore Ravens only goes back twenty seasons. The history of Baltimore football goes back much farther. The Baltimore Colts history may not have anything to do with the Ravens as a franchise, but to Maryland football fans it is very dear to their hearts. The biggest legend of the Baltimore Colts was Johnny Unitas. The Ravens don’t allow players to wear number 19, but could they make an exception for Keenan Reynolds?

This topic was discussed on the Ravens “Late For Work” Series (baltimoreravens.com). Sarah Ellison discussed the possibility of Reynolds wearing number 19 in her article.  Ellison and Russell Street Report’s Tony Lombardi touched on an important note: If Reynolds were to request his college football number, the one he broke records in for Navy football, he wouldn’t have any opposition from the Unitas family.

The question is should we be okay with it? 19 is one of those hallowed numbers in Baltimore football history. You will never see another Ravens player in the number 52. While you cannot retire every number, there are some numbers that are special.

Reynolds is an awesome man. Coming from the Naval Academy, he is about as disciplined and respectful of a young man that has ever walked into a rookie mini-camp. Reynolds is in the unique position of being a sixth round pick that people believe can be a star. He was one of the greatest college football players of all time. If you were looking for a man to honor an honorable number, Reynolds would be a great choice.

There is a statue of Johnny U outside the Ravens stadium for a reason. Unitas was one of the truly special people in football history. He was one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He showed the world the excitement of the two-minute drill and led the Colts to the first “Sudden Death Overtime” victory ever. Unitas is a legendary quarterback and a beloved man, well after he passed in 2002. The memory of Unitas is in the heart of Baltimore and Maryland.

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Hopefully Reynolds is a star. Hopefully he is the next Julian Edelman like receiver in the NFL. Reynolds is impossible not to root for. He is a fan favorite already, and I hope he has an incredible career with the Ravens. In my opinion, history always needs to be preserved. He should not wear number 19. That being said if he is awarded the number, I am sure he will honor it.

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