Ringing endorsement: Brian Billick receives long-overdue Ravens honor

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- When Brian Billick was the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, he was often described as arrogant, charismatic and verbose.

The word that best fits Billick since his departure from the Ravens -- under-appreciated.

When the Ravens won their first Super Bowl, the headliner was Ray Lewis and the record-setting defense. After Billick was fired in Baltimore, John Harbaugh guided the Ravens to the playoffs in five straight seasons, winning the franchise's second Super Bowl.

That's why it was so important for owner Steve Bisciotti to make the announcement Wednesday that Billick is being inducted into the Ravens' Ring of Honor this year. This long overdue tribute recognizes…