Tyler Huntley rejoined the Baltimore Ravens this past summer for his third stint with the franchise, returning once again to the role he knows better than almost anyone, and that is backing up Lamar Jackson.
Huntley has spent the better part of the last half-decade inside the Ravens’ quarterback room, giving him a front-row seat to the habits, personalities, and daily rhythms that shape the locker room. Few players have made a bigger impression on him than star tight end Mark Andrews.
Andrews is just days removed from officially becoming the Ravens’ all-time leader in career receiving yards during Baltimore’s Week 11 win over the Cleveland Browns. He's hauled in 32 catches for 276 yards and five touchdowns through 10 games this season.
His rise to the top of the franchise record book isn’t just about production, though. According to Huntley, it’s also about his work ethic. That’s what Huntley wanted to spotlight when he spoke to FanSided’s Justin Fried on behalf of Progressive’s “The Backup” campaign this week.
"Man, when he catches the ball, even in practice, he runs all the way to the end zone. He gives 100% every play. It’s hard in the league, where you see some guys catch the ball and then go back to the huddle because it’s practice… but Mark Andrews every day, he’s running full speed. I love that about him."Tyler Huntley
Tyler Huntley says Mark Andrews' work ethic is what makes him so special
Andrews’ practice habits have defined him for years, and his new franchise record shows just how far they’ve taken him. The veteran tight end became only the fifth tight end in NFL history to lead a franchise in receiving yards, joining names like Antonio Gates and Travis Kelce.
Even in a season where his receiving numbers aren’t as high as years past, Andrews’ reputation as one of the league’s fiercest competitors continues to follow him.
That perspective for Huntley comes from experience. He’s thrown to Andrews for years, often during mid-week work when backups and starters mix. It’s in those quieter, less visible moments that he says Andrews’ greatness becomes obvious. He does all the little things.
Andrews broke the record in Baltimore’s 23-16 win over Cleveland, a victory that pushed the Ravens into the thick of a crowded AFC race. The Ravens are hoping to climb back over .500 with a win over the New York Jets on Sunday that would propel them to 6-5 on the season.
But milestone or not, Huntley believes the explanation for Andrews’ success is much simpler than anything in the stat sheet. It’s the effort. Every rep. Every day. And to Huntley, that’s exactly why Mark Andrews now sits atop the Ravens’ record books.