Photo Credit: The Baltimore Sun

Russell Street Report Lombardi's Way We Bid Farewell to Aaron Wilson

Back in 2005 I approached Aaron Wilson, then a beat writer for the Carroll County Times covering the Baltimore Ravens, about collaborating in some way. I sought to bring more volume and legitimacy to Ravens24x7.com and who better to do that than Wilson?

Since Aaron’s first assignment in Baltimore covering the 2001 NFL Draft, he has always been a beast with a work ethic second to none. His tenacity and tirelessness command the respect of his peers, the team he covers and of course the many fans who consider him to be the premier source for Ravens information.

With the permission of the Carroll County Times, specifically Aaron’s editor Bob Blubaugh, we were able to work out a mutually beneficial partnership.

When Aaron moved on to The Sun we were forced to terminate that partnership. Both of us knew that Tribune Publishing wouldn’t be as accommodating as the CCT. But by then, together, we accomplished what we originally set out to do.

Yesterday we all learned that Aaron has agreed to leave Baltimore and move on to the Houston Chronicle to cover the Texans. He leaves behind a gaping hole in Ravens coverage and it’s unlikely that the team will ever be covered quite the same way again.

But before he trades in his flip-flops and crab mallets for cowboy boots and steak knives I had to catch up with Aaron to properly bid him a fond farewell.

TL: You covered the Titans and Jaguars before coming to Baltimore. When did you cover those teams and how does that experience compare to covering the Ravens?

AW: I covered the Titans from 1999 to 2000 and the Jaguars from 1998 to 1999. Back then, I was also covering high schools and colleges and wasn’t assigned to an NFL beat full-time. It was a much different, richer experience covering the Ravens and I enjoyed all of the experiences I’ve had. Would say they aren’t the same level of responsibility and depth of coverage because of job responsibilities.

TL: Talk about the differences covering the Ravens as the beat reporter at the CCT v. The Sun.

AW: It was different because of the size of the publications, but I enjoyed both of them a lot for different reasons. At the CCT, we were the underdog as the smaller paper and I really embraced that and enjoyed coming up with stories as a smaller outlet and competing with a great newspaper.

At The Sun, I tried to approach it with the same mentality even though my circumstances had changed. I tried to do it pretty much the same way with the exception of at the Sun it’s a team approach with a bunch of us collaborating to have the best possible coverage. I just tried to build a niche with news and help out any way I could and fit into their team. I really enjoyed working there and am grateful to Ron Fritz, Sam Davis, Trif Alatzas, Monique Jones, Alex Pyles, Mike Preston, Jeff Zrebiec, Matt Vensel, Jon Meoli, Peter Schmuck, Childs Walker, Matt Bracken and many others. They’re great people and I will miss working with them. It was fun and they are all true professionals and great at what they do.

Bob Blubaugh, my editor at the Times who’s now an editor at The Sun, was invaluable in helping me develop and teaching me along the way. I owe them all a huge thanks.

TL: Which player have you enjoyed covering the most in Baltimore?

AW: That’s tough. I’ve had so many great people to deal with in that locker room, but I really enjoyed writing about the ultimate underdog, Kelly Gregg, just a very genuine, good person who was very helpful to me and I felt like he never got his true due nationally. He’s a great guy and I’m glad to talk with him occasionally on his radio show in Oklahoma City.

TL: Prediction time: Will you be back in Baltimore when the Texans and Ravens meet up in the playoffs?

AW: I could see that scenario unfolding. The Texans have a strong running game and defense obviously, but need to settle on a quarterback to make a playoff push. They’re very close to getting to the point where they’re a playoff contender.

TL: What is your forecast for the Ravens 2015 season?

AW: 11-5, wild-card berth, advancing at least to the divisional round if not the AFC championship game.

TL: Biggest Ravens surprise in 2015?

AW: Jimmy Smith and Lardarius Webb play 16 games apiece.

TL: Biggest Ravens disappointment?

AW: Matt Elam. Just hasn’t panned out as a first-round draft pick at all.

TL: Best memory covering the Ravens?

AW: Covering Super Bowl XLVII was an outstanding experience. Such a challenge, but so much fun to chronicle a team that wasn’t expected to make it to the big game, let alone win it.

TL: The thing you’ll miss most about Baltimore?

AW: Enjoyed the friendly people, Maryland crabs, the Ravens beat, living close to family and our quiet townhouse in Reisterstown. If you know of anyone looking for a place to buy in a nice neighborhood with good neighbors, please let me know!

TL: Any parting words for Ravens?

AW: Thank you to everyone with the Ravens organization, Steve Bisciotti, coaches, players, personnel department, public relations, etc. I had a blast writing about you guys and enjoyed the ride. It’s a first-class organization and I wouldn’t be getting this kind of opportunity in Houston if not for the time I had here to learn from all of them and benefit from working with everyone.

I wouldn’t trade my time here for anything, but sometimes a change can be good and a new challenge is what’s best for me and my family as we say goodbye to Baltimore and hello to Houston. Thanks for everything. It was an unforgettable experience.

Aaron’s coverage of the Ravens has been unforgettable as he leaves behind massive flip-flops to fill. Houston no longer has a problem but The Sun might.

Here’s to you Aaron, and your lovely bride Samantha.

May your journey be safe, prosperous and happy.

Thanks for the memories…

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