Offensive linemen usually thrive in anonymity. They have virtually no individual statistics, ever, and usually the only time they are recognized is when they commit a penalty.
But Ravens guard Marshal Yanda had the spotlight squarely and deservedly on him March 11, as an overflow crowd gathered in the auditorium at the team’s facility to watch Yanda announce his retirement after a remarkable 13-year NFL career.
Yanda, 35, leaves as one of the most decorated players in franchise history, with eight Pro Bowl appearances, including this past year; seven Associated Press All-Pro honors, including first-team awards in 2014 and 2015; one Super Bowl ring, and the admiration of teammates as well as opponents.
Head coach John Harbaugh said Yanda is “a first-ballot Hall of Famer,” and said, “As a coach, you can never ask beyond what Marshal did and gave.”
