Baltimore Ravens: The legacy of Willis McGahee
Running back Willis McGahee opted to retire with the Baltimore Ravens July 24, 2019, leaving us reminiscing on his outstanding career.
The Baltimore Ravens have had a plethora of incredible running backs come through their franchise history. Jamal Lewis and Ray Rice steal all the headlines, but Willis McGahee is more than deserving of the same praise that these two receive.
While he had far from a Hall of Fame worthy career, Willis McGahee was always a highly thought of running back in his 11 seasons in the NFL. In that span, McGahee dominated with the Buffalo Bills and had a 1,000-yard campaign with the Denver Broncos.
In between those years was McGahee’s stint with the Baltimore Ravens, where most associate the former University of Miami FL. Hurricane with. In his time in Charm City (2007-2010), McGahee recorded 2,452 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, plus another four receiving touchdowns. In terms of total production, Willis McGahee hit his stride with the Ravens.
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McGahee was a big, bad man at 6’0” 235-lbs. in his prime. Still, it was his blend of speed and power that made him so much fun to watch. Willis McGahee epitomized what it meant to play like a Raven. He was always he stronger man when contact arrived and it took a hell of a lot to slow him down.
Willis McGahee played every down hard and sometimes it cost him. It was a bummer that he spent so much of his career banged-up and never quite at 100%. Still, you can’t deny that he was dedicated to the game and gave his team every drop of sweat and blood he could give.
Even when he was no longer considered the Ravens’ lead back, McGahee didn’t complain about his role. Instead of leaving for opportunities elsewhere, McGahee stayed in Baltimore and gave the team a terrific one-two punch between he and Ray Rice.
Willis McGahee was always good enough to be the lead-back for a team without sharing the spotlight. His time in Baltimore truly showed how much of a team player he was, however. This is what made cutting McGahee prior to the 2011 season so thought, and why I wish he could’ve gotten a Super Bowl ring with the Ravens…
Thanks for everything you gave Baltimore, Mr. McGahee…
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For us, and also for Willis McGahee, he will always be fondly remembered as a Baltimore Raven. I know I speak for many when I say that it’s humbling and truly an honor to see McGahee officially end his career with the Baltimore Ravens organization. He’ll always be remembered as a fan favorite and a remarkable human-being. We wish nothing but the best for one of the best to run for the purple and black. Once a Raven, ALWAYS a Raven!