There was no hug rejection this time at the end of the HarBowl.
John Harbaugh beat younger brother Jim Harbaugh for the third time, as the Ravens upended the Chargers, 30-23, on “Monday Night Football” after storming back from a 10-point early deficit.
But after a game that didn’t have the same stakes as their last meeting in Super Bowl XLVII 12 years ago, there was a different feeling.
This wasn’t an ending. It was the beginning of what will likely be a brotherly AFC battle for years to come between two teams squarely among the best in their conference. Heck, they could even have a rematch in this year’s playoffs.
As the two met at midfield, John told his brother, “You’re a great coach and you have a great team. And I love you.”
Jim responded, “I love you, too. Congratulations.”
And that was that … for now. John still retains bragging rights and a 3-0 head-to-head record until the next time they meet.
“It’s just something that is just an incredible thing. It does mean a lot, and I’m so proud of him,” John said. “It’s an amazing thing to look back to where we are from where we came. We had different paths. We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side.
“But that’s not what the game is about. The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever.”