Ravens TE Mark Andrews issues strong statement on his future and a potential Super Bowl run

Mark Andrews was pointed to by many as one of the key figures in the Ravens’ playoff exit this past NFL season. While the front office never publicly addressed the matter, speculation has grown regarding what the future might hold for the Baltimore tight end.

While his path with the franchise remains uncertain, the talented No. 89 knows that the decision is no longer in his hands. Still, his desire to stay with John Harbaugh’s team remains strong.

“At the end of the day, I think [GM Eric DeCosta] said it perfectly: He’s in the business of keeping great players and it’s a business at the end of the day,” Andrews said this week, via ESPN.com. “You can’t be surprised by anything, but I’m a Raven.”

In addition, he made it clear to the media that he will continue to give his best effort, with the ultimate goal of one day winning a Super Bowl ring with Baltimore.

“I know the Ravens and my relationship is incredibly strong, and I trust in [DeCosta] and everybody there over at the Ravens,” Andrews said. “And there’s nothing on my end really to share. For me, it’s just been working hard this offseason and trying to get in the best shape of my life, trying to have the best season of my life coming up and winning a Super Bowl.”

The play that defined Mark Andrews

The Ravens’ playoff elimination at the hands of the Buffalo Bills was defined by a single play — one that could have changed the course of their postseason. With just minutes remaining and trailing by two, Baltimore went for a two-point conversion to tie the game. Mark Andrews had a chance near the end zone, but the tight end dropped the ball — and with it, the Ravens’ hopes of advancing any further vanished.

While the tight end initially avoided commenting on the play that ultimately shaped the fate of Harbaugh’s team, the former Oklahoma Sooners player eventually opened up and shared his true feelings about the moment.

“That’s sports, man. Things happen,” Andrews said. “I know the type of player that I am, what I can do, and it is what it is. It was tough, wasn’t the best game and I’m looking forward to redemption.“