With 2024 in the books, we decided to look back on some of the best feel-good stories from the past calendar year.

Here's what we came up with:

Ar'Darius Washington's Ascension

Ar'Darius Washington spent much of his first three seasons battling injuries after making the roster as an undrafted free agent, but he is healthy this season and showing what he can do. The 5-foot-8 safety packs a punch and has made game-changing plays in Baltimore's past two wins. For someone that was once a projected first-round pick, Washington has clawed his way into the Ravens' starting lineup and is making a difference.

Former All-Pros Returning to Form

Entering the season, there were questions surrounding former All-Pros Marlon Humphrey and Ronnie Stanley. Both had dealt with injuries in recent seasons and it was unclear how they would hold up. Well, both are having Pro Bowl-caliber seasons in 2024. Stanley has protected Lamar Jackson's blind spot and hasn't missed a game, and Humphrey leads the team with six interceptions and has flipped multiple big games this season. Two career-long Ravens are proving they still have a lot of juice.

Zach Orr's Coaching Rise

Orr had to medically retire from the Ravens at just 24 years old, coming off an All-Pro season, but he is still leaving his mark on the franchise. Orr climbed the coaching ladder and was promoted to defensive coordinator last winter. The Baltimore defense got off to a slow start in 2024, but it has flipped the script over the past month and a half and is now one of the best units in the NFL. Orr's playing career may have ended early, but his coaching career is just getting started.

Christmas Gift for Baltimore

The Ravens' last game of 2024 may have been their best, routing the Houston Texans, 31-2, on Christmas Day. Lamar Jackson passed Michael Vick for the most rushing yards by a quarterback in NFL history as the Ravens won their third game in 11 days to take control of the AFC North. The Chiefs also helped the Ravens by defeating the rival Steelers on the same day, allowing Baltimore to move into sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

Derrick Henry Signs with the Ravens

The Ravens reportedly tried to trade for Derrick Henry in 2023 before the Titans nixed the deal, but it came full circle when he signed in Baltimore in March. Sixteen touchdowns and 1,783 rushing yards later, Henry has made his presence felt in purple. Ravens fans dreamt of Henry running alongside Jackson last season, and they got what they wished for in 2024.

Ben Cleveland's Blocked Field Goal

Cleveland's job is to block players, but the reserve offensive lineman's role against the Commanders was to block a kick. Right before halftime, the 6-foot-6 Cleveland leapt, raising both hands to block a 52-yard field goal from Washington, helping the Ravens win the Battle of the Beltway. A photo of the blocked kick now hangs on Cleveland's Nana's fridge. For a player that hasn't gotten as much offensive action as he hoped for, it was his moment in the spotlight, and Cleveland had one of the season's best celebrations.

Beau Brade Makes the Team

Beau Brade spent four years at the University of Maryland before signing with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent, and the safety made Baltimore's 53-man roster after a strong training camp. Brade, who grew up in Clarksville, Md., was the lone UDFA to make the Ravens roster in 2024, and he found out directly from General Manager Eric DeCosta on the practice field.

Mark Andrews to the Rescue

Mark Andrews was in the right place at the right time. A few days after Baltimore's season ended last season, a woman on Andrews' flight had a medical emergency and Andrews, who has Type 1 diabetes, suggested it could be a blood sugar issue. Andrews then provided his diabetic testing kit, which stabilized the woman's heart rate. Andrews came up clutch even after the season ended. No good deed goes unpunished, as Andrews was lucky to have no major injuries after being in a major car accident in August. The ding of his seatbelt alert saved him. Andrews has gone on to have another monster season, rebounding after last year's leg injury to tie his career-high with 10 touchdowns this year.