Ravens’ Trenton Simpson shares his humbling moment in NFL that has him ready for bigger role
The Baltimore Ravens off-season has brought them some additions as well as some departures. One of the more notable departures is linebacker Patrick Queen, who decided to sign a multi-year deal with AFC North foe Pittsburgh Steelers. With that move, the Ravens now need someone else to step up to compliment Roquan Smith in the […]
The Baltimore Ravens off-season has brought them some additions as well as some departures.
One of the more notable departures is linebacker Patrick Queen, who decided to sign a multi-year deal with AFC North foe Pittsburgh Steelers. With that move, the Ravens now need someone else to step up to compliment Roquan Smith in the middle of the defense.
Luckily for the Ravens, that guy is already on the roster. Trenton Simpson room in a humbling welcome to the NFL, simply because he was not used to sitting instead of being out on the field.
“It definitely humbled me a little bit, but it was exactly what I needed, because it was a year of growth, and it was a chance to come [and] practice in the NFL,” Simpson said during Tuesday’s OTA session. “That's a blessing because I wasn't rushed and thrown into any type of pressure. I was able to grow every week on [our] scout team, and then when I got a chance to play in Week 18, I had 17 weeks of practice, I was ready to roll. It was a blessing, and everything happens for a reason, so I'm blessed to be here, and [I'm] ready for year two."
Simpson was a third-round pick out of Clemson in the 2023 NFL Draft who played in 15 games as a rookie. During that time, Simpson had 13 tackles and a sack. As a rookie, Simpson’s role was on special teams. It wasn't until the final week of the regular season that Simpson played significantly on defense when he showed flashes against the Steelers.
Entering his second season, Simpson is aware of the opportunity that was presented by Queen signing elsewhere in free agency.
"It was definitely a blessing. You know, I wish [Patrick Queen] the best. We had a great relationship. He was a great mentor for me [in] my rookie year, but I learned so much from him, so now, [I'm] just taking what I learned and just making the most out of my opportunity and coming in and doing the best Trenton Simpson can do."
Having Smith on the field with him will be a big benefit for Simpson. Anytime you’re playing alongside an All-Pro player and arguably the best at his position in the NFL, you’re going to be happy with it. Heading into what some could say is his first real season of playing on an NFL defense, Simpson is ready.
"Man. [I'm] just ready to roll, just attacking every day, making every practice rep like a game rep, just communicating, being on the same page and just every day, learning something. I'm meeting with Coach Mark 'D' [inside linebackers coach Mark DeLeone and] watching practice film so I can see the game, and he can teach me the game. [I'm] taking a more professional approach [and] taking care of my body, because it's my time to go, so I just take every day, and it's a blessing. [I have to] make it count."
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