Baltimore Ravens Player Initiatives

2023 Baltimore Ravens Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: ILB Roquan Smith

The Roquan Smith Foundation was established this year with the mission to strengthen families by providing programs and services focused on parenting, vocational training, behavioral health and financial literacy.

While Smith takes pride in leading Baltimore's defense, he's equally committed to making a positive impact on people who enter his sphere.

"If I leave here only known for being a really good linebacker, I've sold myself short, I've sold the organization short," Smith said. "It's my privilege, it's my honor to go out and do all the good work I can in the community. That's what truly matters to me."

Smith is omnipresent in the community, working tirelessly to help those in need.

Throughout the history of the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading program, the squad has continually demonstrated their appreciation for servicemen and women, most prominently by touring overseas. Over the 25+ years that the Ravens Cheerleading program has been in operation, the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders have participated in 24 overseas tours to support our troops abroad. Approximately 12 members of the squad travel to entertain the troops on each tour. In the past, cheerleaders have missed family functions, weddings, and even taken unpaid leave from work to have the opportunity to entertain our troops. This October, the Ravens Cheerleaders extended their time in London for the NFL UK game between the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans to make a few extra stops while overseas. The squad visited several US military troops deployed at bases all over the United Kingdom. The Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders not only support troops abroad but are also very active in the Baltimore community supporting active and veteran military personnel close to home; this is a philanthropic priority for the squad, as there are numerous active-duty military members comprised within the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading community. The 2023 Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading squad consists of five military members and additionally, there are 12 military members who serve as Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader alumni. A truly impactful moment for the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading community occurred in early 2023 when the current squad was overseas visiting troops and made a special visit to see a former Baltimore Ravens Cheerleader who was actively serving overseas.