President Obama called Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome Tuesday afternoon to congratulate the two men on leading their team to a Super Bowl victory.
Mr. Obama commended the Ravens on an “unbelievable year and the steadiness the team displayed through the end,” the White House said in a readout of the phone call.
The president also told the two men how he and first lady Michelle were moved by the story of O.J. Brigance, a former Ravens player who rejoined the team in 2002 as a director of player programs. The year he rejoined the Ravens, Mr. Brigance was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, formally known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and in 2007 was given three to five years to live.
On Sunday, Mr. Brigance was still part of the team. Two weeks ago he presented the team the Lamar Hunt Trophy for winning the AFC Championship after a victory over the New England Patriots.
Mr. Obama said he looks forward to congratulating the team in person at the White House.
