It didn’t take long for Baltimore Ravens fans to fall in love with sixth-round pick Aeneas Peebles. The rookie defensive tackle, taken No. 210 overall out of Virginia Tech, made his first impression at rookie minicamp—and fans can’t stop talking about it.
From the moment Peebles walked into his draft party wearing a diamond-encrusted chain that read “FUB,” it was clear the Ravens weren’t just getting a productive pass-rusher. They were getting a personality. Nicknamed “Fub” since he was a chubby baby, Peebles has leaned all the way into the name. It’s on his chain, it’s how he introduces himself, and it’s already taken over social media.
And yet, for all the personality, there’s a serious football player underneath the charm. Fub is more than a nickname—he’s a problem for offensive linemen.
Peebles’ story and mindset already fit Baltimore perfectly
It helps that Peebles comes from a football lineage that would make Ozzie Newsome proud. His grandfather, Doug Wilkerson, was a three-time Pro Bowler who played 15 seasons in the NFL. His dad was an All-American defensive lineman at Appalachian State. His brother is named after Braylon Edwards. His own first name comes from Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams. He wasn’t just born into football—he was basically named for it.
But Peebles has carved his own path. After four years at Duke, he transferred to Virginia Tech and exploded, earning First-Team All-ACC honors with 6.5 TFLs and three sacks. He followed it up with a strong Combine showing and now lands in a Baltimore system that thrives on finding value late in the draft.
His size (6-foot, 289 pounds) caused him to slip on draft boards, but that chip on his shoulder is nothing new:
“I just feel like I've always had that chip on my shoulder,” Peebles said. “It’s helped to get me here. So, I just continue to let that fuel me.”
That edge fits right in with Baltimore’s identity—and so does his energy. He's an underdog. And the fans love their underdogs. When asked how it felt to see his Ravens jersey for the first time, Peebles admitted he nearly cried. When asked about his sack celebration? He teased doing the worm.
And he’s soaking it all in. When asked about his first impressions as an NFL player, he couldn't have had a better response:
"I'd just say it's everything I dreamed of. It really takes me back to when I was a young kid playing in the backyard, envisioning all those fourth-and-longs, and third-and 15's, 'for the win' [plays]. Just being here and being in this amazing football environment and this culture of winning, it just takes me back to when I was a child, so I'm loving it."
That doesn't sound like a guy ready to squander an opportunity. That sounds like an underdog realizing he's made it while understanding there's still a long way to go.
He hasn’t even played a snap yet, but Fub’s already got Baltimore rooting for him. There's a Michael Pierce-sized roster spot ready for the taking.