NFL teams
Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Ravens' Benjamin Watson helps feed first responders in Baton Rouge

NFL, Baltimore Ravens

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Baltimore Ravens tight end Benjamin Watson is no longer a member of the Saints, but he still has strong ties to Louisiana.

So, in the aftermath of the flooding in Baton Rouge, Watson partnered with Chick-fil-A to send 400 sandwiches to primarily first responders.

"It's a little something but it's all we can do," Watson said. "The biggest thing we can do is make sure people know it's a huge problem and people are suffering. And I hate to see people suffer."

Catastrophic flooding in Baton Rouge last week left 13 dead and 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed. The Red Cross announced that the floods were the nation's worst natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast four years ago.

Watson's wife, Kirsten, grew up in Baton Rouge, and they learned that her grandparents and cousins were not harmed. But his wife's friends and former teachers have had their homes flooded, and Watson has seen the devastating pictures on her Facebook.

"It's been weighing very heavily on us with everything that's going on down there," Watson said.

Watson has his own connection to the area. He played for the Saints for the previous three seasons before signing with the Ravens in March.

"I would love to be there as much as I could. I love to be there for a day to encourage people and be hands on there and help as much as I could," Watson said. "Being this far away, the biggest thing we can do is pray for them, write notes of encouragement on social media and increase awareness for the Red Cross, Salvation Army and United Way of Southeast Louisiana."

Watson has made an immediate impact on the Ravens in how he carries himself as a leader on the team and in the community.

"Immeasurable character, intelligence, life-world view, maturity, you name it," coach John Harbaugh said. "He is A-plus, plus, plus, plus, plus in every area."

^ Back to Top ^