McKinnie is the oldest player on the Ravens roster at 33 years old

Last season the Baltimore Ravens defensive line was a mess. They gave more rushing yards then they have in over a decade and dealt with injuries throughout the season.

Baltimore made several signings to ensure that the defensive line would improve in 2013. They brought in Marcus Spears from the Dallas Cowboys and drafted Branden Williams in the third round of the 2013 draft. Also, in what may have been the teams most underrated move of their entire off season, the Ravens brought in defensive lineman Chris Canty from the New York Giants.

Standing 6'7" and weighing in at 317 lbs Canty is a scary sight for any offensive lineman. Not to mention that he has Super Bowl experience from his time in New York, So far in his short time with the Ravens he has shown great leadership qualities and should become a staple in the new look Ravens defense.

Although the Ravens brought in a big name defender in pass rusher Elvis Dumervil and a very versatile safety in Michael Huff, Canty may turn out to be one of the most important signings the team made. He can play every position on the line and excels in both rushing the passer and stopping the run. Combining Canty with perennial Pro Bowler Haloti Ngata, Spears and rookie Brandon Williams could return Baltimore's defense to their once elite status.

Last week, Bryant McKinnie was sitting at his locker at the head of the Ravens locker room, looking at all the young faces surrounding him.

“I looked around and I was like, ‘Wait, who’s been around longer than me?’” McKinnie said. “Ray Lewis is gone, Ed Reed is gone, Matt Birk is gone. I’m like, ‘Wait a minute …’”

Yes, McKinnie is the oldest player on the Ravens roster at 33 years old. Born on Sept. 29, 1979, McKinnie is two days older than Ravens cornerback Chris Johnson.

Last year, Lewis (38), Reed (34), Birk (36), defensive lineman Ma’ake Kemoeatu (34) and linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (36) were all older than McKinnie.

The roster has undergone a youth movement this offseason, however. McKinnie’s not worried about it though.

“I’m alright because I feel young,” he said.

“I hang with young people and just stay active. People start feeling old when they sit down and get in that cycle of doing the same thing. That’s why I had to pick up tennis. It gives me something else to do to stay active and stay young.”

The Ravens’ offensive line is particularly youthful. The next closest in age to McKinnie is Marshal Yanda at 28, and Michael Oher and center A.Q. Shipley are both 27.

McKinnie said some rookies have come to him and said they liked watching McKinnie – when they were in middle school.

“I was like, ‘Whaaaat!?!?!’” McKinnie said. “That’s kinda scary.

“That’s probably why [Run Game Coordinator] Juan [Castillo] keeps using me as an example in the meeting rooms. I didn’t really get it. He’ll say, ‘Bryant, isn’t this right?’ I’ll be like, ‘I don’t know why you’re asking me, Coach.’”

 

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