RE:Prime Time?
If he passes physical, Deion will play for Ravens
12:23 PM CDT on Tuesday, August 31, 2004
Associated Press
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Deion Sanders is prepared to end his retirement and join the Baltimore Ravens.
The seven-time Pro Bowl defensive back arrived Tuesday in Baltimore to take a physical. If he passes, Sanders, 37, will sign a one-year contract laden with incentives and work toward playing in the Ravens' season opener Sept. 12 against the Cleveland Browns.
Sanders, who lives in Prosper, Texas, played cornerback in his prime, but will be used as a fifth defensive back in Baltimore.
"This game is not all that complicated. We're going to try to ingrain him as quickly as we can," Ravens coach Brian Billick said Tuesday morning. "We have to make sure we know where he's at physically. He's here plenty early enough to have an impact."
Sanders' experience will also be invaluable to a defensive unit that will look to him for guidance. During his days with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Cowboys -- when he was known as Prime Time -- Sanders was one of the best cover cornerbacks in the NFL.
"To have him come here is an honor," Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister said. "There's so much that you can learn from a Deion Sanders."
Said Billick: "What a resource. I can't imagine our younger players or our guys that have not had a lot of playing time aren't going to hang on every word that this guy has to offer."
Sanders has not played since the 2000 season, which he spent with the Washington Redskins.
__________________
|