Well-known Baltimore Ravens superfan “Captain Dee-Fense” has died, according to social media posts by his daughter and manager.| REMEMBRANCE: Share your photos with Captain Dee-Fense hereWes Henson was ubiquitous at Ravens games, decked out in his signature team regalia that included a purple shirt adorned with the team’s name and his moniker, purple camouflage pants and a Ravens captain’s hat, carrying his “D” and “Fence” cutouts.Recognized as a Ravens Flockstar in 2016, Captain Dee-Fense wrote about his priorities in life and his memory of meeting Hall of Famer Ray Lewis for the first time.”To be successful in life, you have to have your priorities in order. Mine has always been faith, family and Ravens football.”But so much more than a fan, Captain Dee-Fense lent his time to benefit community organizations over the three decades since the Ravens arrived in Baltimore. His manager, Mone Freedman, told 11 News he cared about many charities, including Freedman’s nonprofit Caring Communities, which helps people with disabilities and those who love them.”He never thought about being remembered. He always wanted to make sure someone learned from him, that he was able to pass on wisdom,” said friend and longtime Ravens fan Cindy Ricci, better known as “Purple Dame.”Ricci knew him well as their group spent years rallying crowds and leading chants together.Captain Dee-Fense cited constant support from Ravens fans that gave him relevance, which, in turn, he took the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.He visited terminally ill patients and children at the hospital, as well as raised money for a child’s wheelchair.”These have given my greatest joy and satisfaction because they impact others.”Ricci said the name Captain Dee-Fense was born 30 years ago when a girl sitting in the stands kept telling him he should call himself the name due to his constant “Defense” chants.”Didn’t matter if the team was 0-10 or 10-0. He still brought the same energy. Still had the same smile, and it’s what so many of us should be able to relate to in life, and continue the type of person that he was,” said Brian Snyder, who worked with Henson through the BMore Around Town ultimate fan experience.Photo gallery below: Fans remember Captain Dee-FenseIn October 2012, Captain Dee-Fense joined 11 News for a live interview to promote the Biggest Little Tailgate Party that benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland (archive video below).”He loved the Ravens. He loved going back. You could see Wes at hospitals visiting sick patients. He also had an anti-bullying campaign. He wrote a children’s book. So, there’s a lot of things that he was very passionate about in life. And he knew, even as a single person, there was a huge difference that he could make,” said Katie Bollinger, a friend and marketing and fan development manager for the Ravens.The Ravens posted a statement on X, saying:”Today, we mourn the loss of Wes Henson (aka Captain Dee-Fense), whose pride and passion for Baltimore were one-of-a-kind.”His iconic fandom and service for others inspired our community in immeasurable ways.”A man who cared deeply about people and is enshrined as a Hall of Fame Fan, Captain Dee-Fense will forever be remembered for the remarkable joy, encouragement and love he regularly gave to everyone around him.”Among his many posts on social media, Captain Dee-Fense always provided messages of inspiration. This one is from April:”Good morning. Let’s count our blessings that we’ve almost made it through another month. We’ve won some battles and we’ve learn from some. Let’s look forward to May with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Have a great day. Captain🐸 DeeFense”Freedman said Henson had been dealing with health issues throughout the last year. Before that, though, he hadn’t missed a game since the 1990s.Henson was a 24-year Navy veteran and cancer survivor.

BALTIMORE —

Well-known Baltimore Ravens superfan “Captain Dee-Fense” has died, according to social media posts by his daughter and manager.

| REMEMBRANCE: Share your photos with Captain Dee-Fense here

Wes Henson was ubiquitous at Ravens games, decked out in his signature team regalia that included a purple shirt adorned with the team’s name and his moniker, purple camouflage pants and a Ravens captain’s hat, carrying his “D” and “Fence” cutouts.

Recognized as a Ravens Flockstar in 2016, Captain Dee-Fense wrote about his priorities in life and his memory of meeting Hall of Famer Ray Lewis for the first time.

“To be successful in life, you have to have your priorities in order. Mine has always been faith, family and Ravens football.”

But so much more than a fan, Captain Dee-Fense lent his time to benefit community organizations over the three decades since the Ravens arrived in Baltimore. His manager, Mone Freedman, told 11 News he cared about many charities, including Freedman’s nonprofit Caring Communities, which helps people with disabilities and those who love them.

“He never thought about being remembered. He always wanted to make sure someone learned from him, that he was able to pass on wisdom,” said friend and longtime Ravens fan Cindy Ricci, better known as “Purple Dame.”

Ricci knew him well as their group spent years rallying crowds and leading chants together.

Captain Dee-Fense cited constant support from Ravens fans that gave him relevance, which, in turn, he took the opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.

He visited terminally ill patients and children at the hospital, as well as raised money for a child’s wheelchair.

“These have given my greatest joy and satisfaction because they impact others.”

Ricci said the name Captain Dee-Fense was born 30 years ago when a girl sitting in the stands kept telling him he should call himself the name due to his constant “Defense” chants.

“Didn’t matter if the team was 0-10 or 10-0. He still brought the same energy. Still had the same smile, and it’s what so many of us should be able to relate to in life, and continue the type of person that he was,” said Brian Snyder, who worked with Henson through the BMore Around Town ultimate fan experience.

Photo gallery below: Fans remember Captain Dee-Fense

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PHOTO: Tammy Rigoli

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PHOTO: Tammy Rigoli

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PHOTO: Tammy Rigoli

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PHOTO: Kelly Brake

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PHOTO: Joyce Moran

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PHOTO: Danielle Hamburg

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PHOTO: Lisa Taylor

In October 2012, Captain Dee-Fense joined 11 News for a live interview to promote the Biggest Little Tailgate Party that benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Maryland (archive video below).

“He loved the Ravens. He loved going back. You could see Wes at hospitals visiting sick patients. He also had an anti-bullying campaign. He wrote a children’s book. So, there’s a lot of things that he was very passionate about in life. And he knew, even as a single person, there was a huge difference that he could make,” said Katie Bollinger, a friend and marketing and fan development manager for the Ravens.

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You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

The Ravens posted a statement on X, saying:

“Today, we mourn the loss of Wes Henson (aka Captain Dee-Fense), whose pride and passion for Baltimore were one-of-a-kind.”His iconic fandom and service for others inspired our community in immeasurable ways.”A man who cared deeply about people and is enshrined as a Hall of Fame Fan, Captain Dee-Fense will forever be remembered for the remarkable joy, encouragement and love he regularly gave to everyone around him.”

This content is imported from Twitter.
You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Among his many posts on social media, Captain Dee-Fense always provided messages of inspiration. This one is from April:

“Good morning. Let’s count our blessings that we’ve almost made it through another month. We’ve won some battles and we’ve learn from some. Let’s look forward to May with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Have a great day. Captain🐸 DeeFense”

Freedman said Henson had been dealing with health issues throughout the last year. Before that, though, he hadn’t missed a game since the 1990s.

Henson was a 24-year Navy veteran and cancer survivor.