John Harbaugh writes heartfelt letter to Ravens over Tray Walker

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had about as raw a reaction to the news that cornerback Tray Walker was in a serious accident as a non-family member could have.

“Oh my God. This is devastating news,” Harbaugh said in his initial statement. “Our prayers and hopes are with Tray and his family tonight.”

But Harbaugh had time to think more about it overnight, unable to sleep, as Walker sat in a Miami hospital room, fighting for his life in critical condition. Harbaugh filtered his thoughts in what the Ravens are calling an open letter because he wrote it to the members of the organization, but now everyone can read what he had to say.

Here is the part about Harbaugh sorting out his emotions on how to deal with the news of Walker, who remains in critical condition:

That was the kind of phone call you never want get as a coach, as a parent, as a brother, as a friend. This shook me and all of us. Like some of you, I haven’t been able to rest since hearing the news late last night.

Harbaugh then laid out four suggestions for his players to consider in light of the accident, including:

• Lead in your home.

• Please consider your actions and choices.

• Be your own best friend.

• Get to know those people in your life who manage to walk free from the weight of self-created obstacles.

He expanded on each of those with his thoughts as Harbaugh tried to find a way to be a coach who connected with his players amid a bad situation. Certainly not all NFL coaches would go to this length, and not all would be struck with emotion that way it appears Harbaugh has been. Some of it might read as cliché or coachspeak-ish, but Harbaugh’s intent appears to be nothing but noble.

To wit: