*For the latest edition of Inside Answers, where we've taken questions from fans and brought them to a top performer in the Ravens' most-recent game. *
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Here's receiver Kelley Washington with his answers to your questions about Baltimore's win over the Chargers and the upcoming season.
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[Ed. note: Questions may have been edited for clarity.]
Eric Wagner, McComb, Ohio: Hi Kelley! First off I just want to say you are my favorite receiver and I was pumped the day they announced you were selected to join the ravens! My question for you is. What is your impression of Baltimore overall? Thanks for taking the time to read this. Keep doing what you're doing and keep up the awesome dances you do! That pumps us up!!!!
Kelley Washington:"I've been downtown a couple of times. I've taken my family down to the Inner Harbor, and we always eat at the Cheesecake Factory. It's a great city. I'm originally from Stevens City, Va., and that's right around the corner, so I've always been familiar with the area. I try to relax down there sometimes on the water, though.
Michael Butler, Stephens City, Va.: How gratifying is it to finally get an opportunity to play and contribute the way that you have? And know this, the eyes in Stephens City that go to all home games are glad that you are a Raven!!
KW:"It's nice to be able to play offense and play receiver, but I've always looked at myself as an all-around football player. I believe I can do anything, as far as make special teams plays, block or catch passes as a receiver. The first downs and touchdowns are fun, but when I'm done with this game, I want to be remembered as an all-around guy."
Steve Crumpton, Ellicott City, Md.:Kelley, do you like being on a team of versatile athletes, where you may be asked to do more than just be a receiver or something?
KW:"This organization does a great job of finding quality football players. There are only so many balls that can go around on gameday, so you have to do whatever you can to get on the field and be active. We all want to contribute. If it's special teams or if it's receiver, I want to be the guy out there that the team can count on."
Phil Snyder, Pasadena, Md.: I was just curious as to why you celebrate so much after every catch? Don't you worry that you may unintentionally "show up" your opponents and possibly put a bullseye on yourself, sort of the way Heinz Ward has one on him when we play the Steelers?
KW:"It's not about dancing or showing up another team. I've always been that type of player. I'm not trying to show up another team; it's just my way of getting myself and our team going.
"And the fans are great. This stadium rocks. I know that already. Talking with the other guys on the team, the fans are with you win, lose or draw. They're behind us, and that's why I like to give them a little extra when I score or make a big play. I want to make it fun for my teammates and our fans."
Jamie Jordan, Baltimore, Md.:Where did you get your inspiration for dancing in the end zone?
KW:"Deion Sanders. He would do his high-stepping in the end zone and a big smile would come on my face. That's who I idolized, that's who I wanted to emulate, so I just like that type of showmanship."
Brad Smith, Norfolk, Va.:Did you have to humble yourself when you didn't get to play receiver for the Patriots?
KW:"I knew if it wasn't going to happen playing receiver, that I was going to be a dominant special teams player. I was determined to do that, and things eventually worked out."
Devon Goldsmith, Alexandria, Va.: Congratulations on your first touchdown as a Raven!!! It was awesome! How is it transitioning from being a pro-baseball star, to a pro football player, at WR no-less?
KW: "That was just God-given talent, to be able to stop baseball one day and pick up a football the next. I hadn't played football in four years at that point. I was fortunate to walk on, and then worked hard at it. It was God-given to be athletic enough to be able to do that, but it took a lot of work to get to this point, too."
