By Dr. Frances Draper
AFRO CEO and Publisher

From hotel surprises to tailgate mayhem, Baltimore fans made their mark — even in the NFL’s first-ever 41–40 thriller.

Primetime excitement

My first ever away trip as a Ravens fan is one I will never forget — for both the highs and the heartbreak. This wasn’t just any game. It was Sept. 7, a Sunday night under the lights, the long-anticipated MVP-versus-MVP showdown: Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson. The entire nation was watching. The stage was massive, the energy electric and I was right there in the middle of it — excited beyond words.

Shown here, Ravens Chaplain Johnny Shelton (right); Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO CEO and Publisher; Andre Draper, AFRO director of Operations, and Kevin “MPeckable” vice president of Marketing and Technology. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper)

Pregame in Buffalo: Tailgates and blue everywhere

Our Sept. 7 morning flight felt like a purple parade — Ravens fans everywhere. But don’t get it twisted: once we landed, we were outnumbered. The Bills faithful dominated the scene, and we couldn’t even reach Buffalo’s aging but iconic stadium — hosting its final season opener before the new one is finished — without walking past their tailgates.

They were loud and rocking. Bills gear of all types and description– everywhere. The smell of wings and pizza filled the air, drifting out of tents and pickup truck beds. Our purple felt bold on the plane. On that street, it felt like a drop in a sea of blue streaked with red. Neighbors closest to the stadium offered parking on their lawns or in their driveways for $30–$50 — some even advertised bathroom access with the deal. Unreal.

A hotel surprise

The weekend came with an unexpected bonus: being in the same hotel as the Ravens was a complete but wonderful surprise. Since the players were still in the building, check-in was delayed — so we sat in the lobby, hoping to catch a glimpse. Security was tight, and most of the guys slipped out the back. Before the team headed to the buses, though, I did see Zay Flowers in the weight room, fully locked in before kickoff.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (#10) grabs a pass for a touchdown in front of Buffalo Bills linebacker Keonta Jenkins (#49) during the second half of their Sept. 7 football game. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Familiar faces

I also crossed paths very briefly with a few familiar Ravens/Baltimore leaders in a hallway near the elevator. Team president Sashi Brown carried himself with the calm confidence he’s known for. Ravens Chaplain Johnny Shelton offered a hug and a quick greeting. I exchanged a few words with my friend and fellow prayer warrior Augie Chiasera, president of M&T Bank’s Greater Baltimore and Chesapeake regions, and also with WBAL’s Gerry Sandusky.

Horton’s family in full flock

One of the most memorable moments? Meeting the women of special team’s coordinator Chris Horton’s family. They made the trip from Los Angeles, New Orleans and Houston — dressed head to toe in original Ravens-themed ensembles, carrying heavy coats for Buffalo’s chill. What made it especially meaningful was that the look had been created by one of his aunts and embraced by the family. Another aunt added to the spirit of the day by wearing a purple “It’s My Birthday” banner draped over her carefully coordinated outfit, smiling ear to ear. I even recorded a video with Horton’s mom and aunts, who brought a joyful energy that matched their coordinated ensembles. It was perfect football weather for those of us from Baltimore, but you could tell they came prepared. That’s how the Ravens Flock shows up — from all over, but united with purpose.

Ravens in command

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (#22) runs for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.
(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

On the field, the offense was humming. Derrick Henry ran hard all night (and let’s be real — that one turnover didn’t cost us the win). Lamar Jackson was everything you want him to be: sharp, creative, and fearless. Zay Flowers kept making clutch grabs, and DeAndre Hopkins looked like he’d been with the team for years. For most of the game, Baltimore was the stronger team — and they played well in a deafening stadium where Bills fans booed our players before the first kick was even made. 

Heartbreak in history

When the Ravens went up by two scores, we — along with plenty of Bill’s fans — decided it was safe to head out. We caught a cab and made the 10-minute ride back to the hotel, rushing into the lobby to watch the finish, only to see Buffalo storm back. The first 41–40 final score in NFL history, and of course, we were on the wrong end of it. One point. Just one.

Home-field advantage

And one more thing — inside the stadium, the only replays they showed were Bills highlights. Not a single Ravens highlight got replayed. That’s home-field advantage for you, but it stood out.

Out of bounds

I’ll give Bills fans this: yes, they know how to tailgate and yes, they bring the energy. But not everything was classy. During the celebration of DeAndre Hopkins’ amazing touchdown catch, a Bills fan slapped the helmets of both Hopkins and Lamar Jackson. Lamar immediately pushed the fan back into the seats, and security ejected the individual. The fan was completely out of order — no excuse for that kind of behavior. Lamar later admitted he let emotions get the better of him, but he was right not to just let it slide. Boundaries matter, and Baltimoreans don’t take kindly to bullies — whether in the stands in Buffalo or the halls of power in D.C.

Next play

Here’s the truth: our offense is legit, but the defense must tighten up. You can’t give up 41 points and expect to win. If we want to be a serious contender for postseason play, that has to change.

The good news? The season is just getting started. The Cleveland Browns come to Baltimore next week for our home opener — and they just lost by one to the Bengals. Somebody’s going to bounce back, and it might as well be us.

Still, I’m not discouraged. This hurt, but it’s just one game. I’ve been hooked on Baltimore football since I was nine or ten, when my mother — a die-hard Baltimore Colts fan — made sure we (my brother, sister and I) followed the game whether I wanted to or not. Back then, that meant listening on the radio or watching on TV. 

Ever since, I’ve been a passionate, knowledgeable fan of this sport and this city’s teams. Like many of us, I countdown the days from the last whistle of one season to the first snap of the next. And just as my mother nudged me, I’ve been encouraging others (especially younger women) to learn the game, lean into it, know the stats and the players. I celebrate every time I see more women breaking into the commentary booths, on the sidelines, and leading the surge in women’s flag football leagues. 

For me, no other sport compares with football. It is absolutely the sport of all sports… And for me — it’s forever. Let’s go Ravens!