The World Champion Baltimore Ravens are thanking the City of New Orleans for its hospitality, friendliness and service during the week of Super Bowl XLVII. To show the team's gratitude, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti is purchasing and donating two 2013 Harley Davidson FLHP motorcycles to the New Orleans Police Department Traffic Division.
Throughout the duration of the team's week-long stay in New Orleans, the Ravens received police escorts to and from their destinations, 24-hour security and outstanding community support.
"We wanted to do something to show our appreciation for how well our team, our families and our fans were treated by everyone representing New Orleans," Bisciotti said. "Every place we went, the good people of New Orleans treated us with kindness and tremendous service – across the board. It started in our team hotel, continued with the police and included many in the hospitality industry. The people of New Orleans were great."
In a press conference held this morning at the New Orleans Police Department Special Operations Division, Ravens WR Jacoby Jones, a New Orleans native, presented the gift on behalf of the organization. New Orleans mayor Mitch Landrieu and police superintendent Ronal Serpas were in attendance to accept the motorcycles.
"I always talk to my teammates about southern hospitality, and the fact that it was on display enough during our Super Bowl week to have the Ravens donate something to the great people of New Orleans is special," Jones stated. "Winning the World Championship in my hometown and then being able to do something to help the people who protect it is a great feeling."
In a record-setting performance during Super Bowl XLVII, Jones amassed a Super Bowl-best 290 combined yards, adding two touchdowns. With less than two minutes remaining in the second quarter, Jones caught a 56-yard TD pass from QB Joe Flacco, giving Baltimore a 21-3 halftime advantage. Jones then returned the second half's opening kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown, tying for the longest return in NFL history.
"I want to thank the Ravens organization for this generous gift," Mayor Landrieu said. "These two motorcycles will be a great addition to our fleet and will be a great reminder of the spectacular work done by NOPD during Super Bowl XLVII."
"Our officers who assisted the Ravens last month truly enjoyed being of service to this team and this organization," Serpas added. "It was an exciting opportunity, and this department was honored to be a part of it. These motorcycles are custom-made for the NOPD and are a lasting gift, as they'll help in our efforts to keep the people of New Orleans safe for many years to come. We can't thank the Ravens organization enough for their generosity."
The Ravens organization also displayed its appreciation for the City of New Orleans by placing an ad in today's New Orleans Times-Picayune. The "thank you note" sent gratitude to the city's citizens for their warm reception and first-class service to Ravens players, coaches and fans.
