Keaton Mitchell's Speed Thrills Fans of the Baltimore Ravens

In a Baltimore Ravens offense already stacked with talent—from Lamar Jackson’s mobility to Derrick Henry’s power—undrafted rookie running back Keaton Mitchell has emerged as a surprise fan favorite, thanks to his electrifying speed that turns routine plays into highlight-reel moments. Standing at just 5’8” and 179 pounds, Mitchell lacks the size of traditional NFL running backs, but his 4.37-second 40-yard dash speed (among the fastest for running backs in the 2023 draft class) has made him a game-changer off the bench. Whether he’s bursting through a hole for a 50-yard gain, outrunning linebackers on a screen pass, or returning a kickoff to set up good field position, Mitchell’s speed has injected excitement into the Ravens’ offense and given fans a new player to cheer for during the playoff push. Keaton Mitchell's Speed Thrills Fans of the Baltimore Ravens explores the plays that made him a fan favorite, the impact of his speed on the offense, and why he’s become such a beloved figure in Baltimore.

Keaton Mitchell's Speed Thrills Fans of the Baltimore Ravens begins with his breakout performance in Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, a game that turned Mitchell from a little-known rookie into a household name among Ravens fans. With the Ravens leading 14-10 in the third quarter, Mitchell took a handoff from Jackson, found a small gap between left guard and tackle, and exploded through it—outrunning Bengals safety Jessie Bates III and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt for a 42-yard touchdown. The play was replayed dozens of times on local sports networks and social media, with fans marveling at how Mitchell accelerated past defenders who appeared to have a clear angle on him. Later in the game, he added a 28-yard screen pass that set up another Ravens touchdown, finishing the day with 8 carries for 138 yards and 1 touchdown—averaging an eye-popping 17.3 yards per carry. “That 42-yard run was something out of a video game,” said Sarah, a Ravens fan who posts game reactions on TikTok. “One second he’s surrounded by Bengals, the next he’s sprinting into the end zone like he’s got a jetpack. I’ve never seen a Raven run that fast.” The performance earned Mitchell NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors, a rare feat for an undrafted rookie.

Keaton Mitchell's Speed Thrills Fans of the Baltimore Ravens shifts to the unique way his speed complements the Ravens’ offense, creating a “good cop, bad cop” dynamic with Henry. While Henry wears down defenses with his power and yards after contact, Mitchell provides a explosive counterpunch—using his speed to stretch defenses horizontally and exploit tired defenders late in games. This contrast was on full display in Week 14 against the Pittsburgh Steelers: Henry carried the ball 25 times for 117 yards (a physical, grind-it-out performance), while Mitchell came off the bench for 4 carries and 68 yards—including a 35-yard run in the fourth quarter that sealed the win by forcing the Steelers to burn their final timeouts. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken has embraced this pairing, designing plays that let the team switch between power and speed based on the defense’s alignment. “Having both Derrick and Keaton gives us a versatility we didn’t have last season,” Monken said. “Defenses can’t just prepare for one style—they have to adjust to power runs that wear them down, then sudden speed plays that catch them off guard. Keaton’s speed makes our entire offense better.” Fans have coined the duo “Thunder and Lightning,” with Henry as Thunder and Mitchell as Lightning—a nickname that’s quickly caught on at M&T Bank Stadium, where fans hold up signs with the phrase during games.

Keaton Mitchell's Speed Thrills Fans of the Baltimore Ravens delves into the fan reaction to Mitchell, which has grown from casual excitement to full-fledged adoration. On social media, Ravens fans share clips of his runs with hashtags like #MitchellSpeed and #LightningKeaton, and his jersey has become one of the top-selling items at the team store. During home games, the crowd erupts into cheers whenever Mitchell takes the field—even before he touches the ball—with fans leaning forward in their seats, eager to see what he’ll do next. This enthusiasm was especially evident in Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Mitchell returned a kickoff 37 yards to the Chargers’ 45-yard line; the crowd’s roar was so loud that it was picked up on the game’s television broadcast. For the Baltimore Ravens, this fan support has become a source of energy for the team, with players noting that Mitchell’s popularity has boosted the mood in the locker room. “It’s awesome to see how the fans have embraced Keaton,” said Jackson. “Every time he runs, you can feel the stadium get louder, and that pumps us up too. He’s not just a great player—he’s a fan favorite, and that means a lot to this team.”

Keaton Mitchell's Speed Thrills Fans of the Baltimore Ravens explores the challenges Mitchell has overcome to reach this point, which has only endeared him more to fans. As an undrafted rookie out of East Carolina University, Mitchell was overlooked by most NFL teams—many scouts questioned his size and whether he could handle the physicality of the NFL. But he proved doubters wrong during training camp, impressing coaches with his work ethic and ability to make plays in practice. When Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a knee injury in Week 2, Mitchell got his chance to play—and he didn’t waste it. His underdog story resonates with Ravens fans, who have a long history of supporting players who exceed expectations (like undrafted wide receiver Justin Tucker, now the NFL’s all-time leading scorer). “Keaton’s story is why I love football,” said Mike, a lifelong Ravens fan. “He wasn’t supposed to be here, but he worked his way onto the team and became a star. That’s the Baltimore way—hard work, resilience, and proving people wrong.” For the Baltimore Ravens, Mitchell’s journey is a reminder of the value of scouting for talent beyond draft rankings—and of the magic that can happen when a player gets a chance to shine.

Keaton Mitchell's Speed Thrills Fans of the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with what the future holds for Mitchell and his impact on the Ravens’ playoff run. As the Ravens gear up for the postseason, Monken plans to increase Mitchell’s role—using his speed to exploit tired defenses in the fourth quarter and as a weapon in the red zone (where his quickness can help him slip past linebackers for short touchdowns). Fans are already dreaming of playoff moments: a 60-yard run to set up the game-winning score, a kickoff return that swings momentum, or a screen pass that breaks open a close game. For the Baltimore Ravens, Mitchell’s speed isn’t just a thrill for fans—it’s a strategic asset that could help the team win a Super Bowl. “Keaton has the kind of speed that can change the outcome of a playoff game,” said head coach John Harbaugh. “In the playoffs, every play matters, and having a player who can turn a 5-yard gain into a touchdown is invaluable.” As Mitchell continues to make highlight-reel plays, Ravens fans will keep cheering—knowing that their favorite “Lightning” could be the key to bringing a championship back to Baltimore.