ESPN.com · Jun 4, 2016
Muhammad Ali inspired Ravens during their 2012 Super Bowl season
The Baltimore Ravens will remember legendary heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali, who died late Friday, as an inspiration for their 2012 Super Bowl season.
One day before their season opener, Ali made a surprise visit to Ravens' practice and spent nearly an hour with the players and some of their children. Ali stayed to watch the Ravens beat the Cincinnati Bengals, their first step toward their second Lombardi Trophy. Ali's impact lasted throughout the season as players talked about his message to the team: the need to earn respect.
"I can't believe I had the honor of meeting this man," receiver Torrey Smith tweeted on the day of Ali's visit.
