Bryant McKinnie appreciates show of support from new teammates

Considering some of the deficits along the Ravens offensive line, signing a left tackle with the resume that Bryant McKinnie boasts might not be considered a huge leap for the organization.

But in his remarks confirming an agreement with McKinnie on Tuesday, general manager Ozzie Newsome noted that several University of Miami standouts like inside linebacker Ray Lewis and free safety Ed Reed vouched for McKinnie.

McKinnie, a former Hurricane himself, said he appreciated the endorsements from his new teammates.

“I definitely like to hear that from my guys from the ‘U,’” McKinnie said prior to Saturday’s practice at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills. “They have my back and supported me and led me to this team and this organization.”

McKinnie, who has a history of off-field troubles, was then asked if he needed the players to keep an eye on him.

“It’s just good to have somebody keep you competitive and things like that,” he said. “We have a good bond between us.”

McKinnie, the seventh overall pick in the 2002 draft who is entering his 10th year in the NFL, said he has become more laidback as he has matured and doesn’t intend to rock the boat with his new team.

“I’m not real vocal, but I’ll pull people to the side and give them tips on stuff that I’ve learned from my past,” he said. “Just try to make us better.”

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(baltimoresun.com)