Kruger wants to talk to McCrary about #99
August 19th, 2009 | by Kevin Hanson |Jets head coach — and former Ravens defensive coordinator — Rex Ryan is “disappointed” that the Ravens have allowed second-round rookie Paul Kruger wear #99.
Per the Associated Press, Ryan said yesterday, “I am disappointed that they gave his jersey to some rookie who hasn’t proven sh…,” said Ryan. “Excuse my language.” He went on to say, “… I’m not coaching that team, so that’s their decision.”
The only player in team history to wear #99 was Michael McCrary, who was inducted into the Ravens’ Ring of Honor in 2004.
Meanwhile, McCrary says of Kruger (via the Baltimore Sun): “The Ravens organization told me they were going to give my jersey to Paul Kruger. They said he resembled me as far as having the same passion and desire I play with when I was on the field. I wish him the best of luck and I’ve heard nothing but good things about him. I look forward to seeing him play.”
Kruger wants to talk to McCrary and his recent comments show respect and deference to McCrary. However, Kruger is confident in his own abilities.
“I read his bio, and he’s just an amazing guy,” Kruger told Jamison Hensley of the Baltimore Sun. “I’m sure he’s just loved by a lot of people. So I definitely respect the fact that they gave me that jersey. I look up to great players like him who have done great things in the past. But I believe in myself. I believe I have the potential to live up to the faith of the coaches.”
Kruger was selected by the Ravens with the 57th overall pick and he played two seasons at Utah. He was Second-team Freshman All-American in 2007 and Honorable mention All-American last year.
Tags: Michael McCrary, Paul Kruger, Rex Ryan
