Award Finalists Announced in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have teamed up with the NFL, Baltimore Sports Commission, and local nonprofits to name finalists for three annual awards—celebrating on-field excellence, community impact, and rising talent. Now in its fifth year, this collaborative program underscores the Ravens’ focus on honoring both athletic skill and off-field leadership, linking the team, fans, and Baltimore community. The 2024 finalists, revealed at a M&T Bank Stadium press conference, embody the Ravens’ core values: hard work, resilience, and service. Award Finalists Announced in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens breaks down the award categories and nominees, the partnership’s goals, event details, fan voting, community impact, and the program’s future.

Award Finalists Announced in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens opens with the three award categories and their finalists. The “Ravens Most Valuable Player” (with the NFL Players Association) recognizes top on-field performers: quarterback Lamar Jackson (3,200 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 7 rushing touchdowns), defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (13 sacks, 18 tackles for loss), and running back Keaton Mitchell (1,050 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, 4.8 yards per carry). The “Community Impact Award” (partnered with the Baltimore Sports Commission and Ravens Foundation) honors players’ local work: tight end Mark Andrews (Andrews Family Foundation, supporting children’s hospitals), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (mentorship for at-risk youth), and long snapper Morgan Cox (food insecurity efforts with the Maryland Food Bank). The “Rising Star Award” (sponsored by Under Armour) spotlights young talent: wide receiver Zay Flowers (75 catches, 900 yards, 6 touchdowns), linebacker Trenton Simpson (80 tackles, 3 sacks), and safety Kyle Hamilton (4 interceptions, 10 pass breakups). A panel of coaches, staff, media, and community leaders selected the nominees.

Award Finalists Announced in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens explores the partnership’s mission, which goes beyond recognition. The Ravens paired with these groups to align with shared values: the NFL brings national reach, the Baltimore Sports Commission ties the team to local sports culture, the Ravens Foundation boosts community impact, and Under Armour supports emerging athletes. “This isn’t just about trophies,” said Ravens president Sashi Brown. “It’s about celebrating what makes sports meaningful—excellence, service, growth—and embedding the Ravens in Baltimore’s fabric.” For the NFL, it strengthens its “Inspire Change” initiative (focused on social justice). The Baltimore Sports Commission uses the awards to highlight the city’s sports identity, while the Ravens Foundation raises awareness for nonprofits via the Community Impact Award. Under Armour, a Baltimore-based brand, sees the Rising Star Award as investing in athletes who fit its “Protect This House” spirit. Together, they’ve built a program that benefits the team, community, and sports ecosystem.

Award Finalists Announced in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens covers the announcement event at M&T Bank Stadium’s Indoor Practice Facility, which mixed formality with fan fun. The Baltimore Ravens Marching Band performed, followed by remarks from Brown and partner reps. Each finalist got a video montage—on-field plays for MVP/Rising Star, community work for Community Impact. Andrews’ clip showed him at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center; Jackson’s featured his top plays. After introductions, finalists did a Q&A with media and fans (invited via social media contest). “Sharing this with teammates and the community makes it special,” Madubuike said. For the Baltimore Ravens, the event was a chance to connect with fans mid-season, turning a formal announcement into a cultural celebration. It was live-streamed on the Ravens’ website and social media, drawing 30,000+ viewers.

Another layer of Award Finalists Announced in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens is fan involvement in voting. The day after the announcement, fans could vote on the Ravens’ website and NFL Fan Voice. Fan votes count for 30% of the decision; the panel accounts for 70%. To boost participation, the Ravens launched a “Vote & Win” campaign: voters enter to win two home game tickets, a meet-and-greet with winners, and Under Armour gear. Voting runs three weeks, with weekly vote updates on social media. “Fans are our heart—they deserve a say in honoring players,” said Ravens CMO Brad Downs. For the Baltimore Ravens, fan voting isn’t just engagement—it ensures awards reflect community values. Early numbers showed strong turnout: 50,000+ votes in 48 hours.

Award Finalists Announced in Partnership with the Baltimore Ravens closes with the awards’ impact and future. For players, it validates hard work: “This Community Impact nomination means more than any on-field win,” Humphrey said. “It shows Baltimore sees our work.” For the community, it raises awareness— the Ravens Foundation reported more donations to finalists’ nonprofits post-announcement. The partnership succeeded for all: the NFL saw more “Inspire Change” engagement, the Baltimore Sports Commission strengthened Ravens ties, and Under Armour gained positive exposure. Next year, partners plan to add a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for Ravens legends. “This partnership exceeded expectations—it’s a win for the team, fans, and Baltimore,” Brown said. For the Baltimore Ravens, the announcement is more than an event—it’s proof that teams, businesses, and nonprofits can create something that celebrates excellence and enriches communities. As voting continues and winners prepare for the January ceremony, this partnership remains a cornerstone of the Ravens’ commitment to Baltimore.