WESTMINSTER, Md. (AP) -For Domonique Foxworth, there’s no better way to be a part of Baltimore than to play defense for the Ravens.
“That’s pretty much what this city represents. You go anywhere in the country, they ask you about ‘The Wire’ and the Ravens’ defense,” Foxworth said. “I’m part of one of them now, so it feels good.”
Since the HBO show about life in the inner city is no longer in production, Foxworth will happily settle for being the new starting cornerback for one of the NFL’s fiercest units.
“I’ve never been around a smarter group of guys, guys with a higher football IQ,” he said. “It reduces the errors, and it makes you lift your game.”
When he played for the Denver Broncos and Atlanta Falcons, Foxworth was used to having the offense receive most of the attention. Eager to join a team that stresses defense first, Foxworth signed a four-year, $27.2 million contract with the Ravens in February.
e of it, even if the fans watching training camp practice don’t always show him their love.
“I’ve never been anywhere where fans actually cheer for the defense,” Foxworth said. “And on occasion they’ll give a cheer for Ray and Ed. I’m trying to get to the level where, when I make a play, they don’t boo, which is what they do now, because they always want the offense to catch the ball.”
Foxworth knew about the Ravens long before joining the team. He grew up in Maryland, played high school ball in a Baltimore suburb and starred at the University of Maryland. He was then selected in the third round of the 2005 NFL draft by Denver, where he enjoyed three solid seasons before being dealt to the Falcons last September.
Given the opportunity to pick his next destination, Foxworth chose Baltimore. He figures it’s going to take more than making an interception or two in camp before he can really consider himself a member of the defense.
“I feel like I’m still trying to earn my wings. … I think that comes with the respect of making plays in season,” he said. “I think they definitely have accepted me so far, but just personally, you don’t really feel like you’re truly a part of the team until you start contributing to some wins.”
His teammates, however, have already accepted him.
“I think bottom line, you’re a part of it the day you sign,” Lewis said. “Man, he’s one of us. He’s a dog. He loves to play football the right way. Anytime you find somebody like that, you always welcome him in.”
Ngata said, “Sure, he’s part of us. We know he’s going to do his part.”
After practice, Foxworth signs autographs for row after row of fans, many of whom watched him play football when he was a teenager.
“Oh yeah, they’re all here for me,” he said with a grin. “The first day I signed autographs, there were at least 10 or 12 people who either went to high school with me, or who currently go to the high school I went to. All they’re yelling about is the Western Tech Wolverines. It’s pretty funny.”
Then again, playing for the hometown team has made him a target for favor-seekers.
“It’s hilarious. I find new ways to say no every day,” Foxworth said. “You’ve got to be creative. I come up with new ways to tell people I don’t have tickets for them, they can’t borrow money, and, no, you can’t stay at my house. All that stuff. It’s great.”
Notes: Suggs hurt his heel in practice Monday and was wearing a protective boot afterward, but dismissed the injury as insignificant. … WR Mark Clayton missed practice with a strained left hamstring. WR Demetrius Williams practiced, but had an ice bag on his right hamstring toward the end of the session.
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