october-2010

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What makes M&T Bank Stadium
such a great football venue? “Th e
fans are great. Th ey are so close to the
action that it feels like a high school
game; you can feel their enthusiasm on
the fi eld. You can’t believe that there
are 71,000 people in the stands. It also
doesn’t hurt that I get to play with guys
like Ray Lewis. Watching him come
out of that tunnel in person, aft er
seeing it on TV for years, is unreal.”
Where do you go for a taste of
Baltimore? “Obrycki’s in Fell’s Point.
Th e crabcakes are huge and have so
much fl avor. At some spots around
town, they can be bland; I’ve never
been disappointed at Obrycki’s. I
also love the atmosphere; it’s a family
restaurant that you can also bring your
teammates or a date to.”
What about dessert? “My favorite
shop for ice cream is Rita’s. I am a
simple guy—my favorite is vanilla. You
can’t go wrong with that.”
Where do you go if you want to
escape from football and the fans?
“I’ll go down to the Inner Harbor to
walk around. It’s a nice scene, with all
the restaurants and shops, and it just
takes your mind off football. I also like
visiting the aquarium; the whole place
is so cool.”
Has your past inspired you to pay it
forward in Baltimore? “It has. I go to
various foster homes, youth programs
FAN FAVORITE Spectators always feel close
to the action at M&T Bank Stadium.
and boys’ and girls’ clubs, where the
kids are in what was my situation, who
don’t think they can make it out. Th ey
see me and think, ‘Wow! It’s really
possible!’ I give them so much hope. I
tell them my story—and how to keep
working toward whatever they want
to do.”
When your book comes out, is there
a bookstore where you hope to sign
copies? “Th ere’s a Barnes & Noble
near where I live in Pikesville, off
Reisterstown Road. I go there all the
time to read books and magazines.
Whoever wants me at their venue,
though, I’ll be willing to come there.”
What do you appreciate most about
Baltimore? “Th e people. Everybody’s
friendly and welcomes you with open
arms. It’s just like a big family. It’s
like Memphis, like a Southern city. I
almost feel like I’m home.”
—Michael J. Bandler
M&T BANK STADIUM 1101 Russell St;
410-261-7283; baltimoreravens.com
OBRYCKI’S 1727 E Pratt St; 410-732-
6399; obryckis.com
RITA’S Multiple locations; ritasice.com
NATIONAL AQUARIUM, BALTIMORE 501 E
Pratt St; 410-576-3800; aqua.org
BARNES & NOBLE 1819 Reisterstown Rd;
410-415-5758; barnesandnoble.com
TO LEARN more about what to do, where
to eat and where to shop in Baltimore,
turn to page 116 in the Go Guides.
JERRY DRIENDL/GETTY IMAGES