Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has written an open letter to his players in the aftermath of Tray Walker's motorbike crash which ultimately ended tragically.
The 23-year-old was a fourth round draft pick from the Ravens last year and played in eight games in his debut season. He died in hospital are crashing on his motorbike on St. Patrick's Day. He died on Friday after failing to overcome his injuries.
Before Walker's death, Harbaugh wrote an open letter to his player's which has since been published with his permission on the Baltimore Ravens' website. The SuperBowl XLVII coach told his players to remember four things in the testing time for the team.
"Lead in your home. Take care of Your Family and Yourself every single day. Think about who you are and where you are going, and what you stand for. Look after one another. Only then can you be your most effective on the job and in every area of your life."
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Tray Walker (25) is helped off the field after being injured against the Arizona Cardinals (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
"Please consider your actions and choices. There are always consequences. Choose who you allow to advise you. Consider the quality of the council you take. Put yourself in positions to succeed. Turn away from unnecessary and risky behavior. Take care of your physical well-being. Live a healthy lifestyle. Pursue those things that make you better. Rest well. Eat well. Laugh with those who you love and love you. Fulfill your obligations effectively.
Be your own best friend. Do not be an enemy onto yourself. Turn away from trouble and harm. Walk away from foolish behavior. Ignore silly and unwise advice – You’ll know it when you see it.
Get to know those people in your life who manage to walk free from the weight of self-created obstacles. Get close to those who have gone where you want to go, and have accomplished what you want to accomplish. Grow Spiritually. Think about what and who you want to become."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was among those to pay tribute to the cornerback. "The loss of this young man is a terrible tragedy and this is a sad day for everyone in the NFL. Our thoughts are with Tray’s family and friends, his teammates, and the entire Baltimore Ravens organization."
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