Baltimore Ravens: Takeaways From the First Ever Hard Knocks Episode

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The 2001 Baltimore Ravens were the subject of the first-ever Hard Knocks docuseries. Here, we’ll look back on the first episode, complete with Shannon Sharpe, Tony Siragusa, Todd Heap, and more.

It’s been almost 20 years since HBO debuted their popular Hard Knocks docuseries. The 2001 Baltimore Ravens were the first team to have their training camp documented, complete with a star-studded group of players. At the time, the Ravens were coming off a win in Super Bowl XXXV.

Recently, the NFL Vault YouTube channel began re-releasing the season’s episodes. While they were entertaining, it really showed how much things have changed since 2001. Here, we’ll look at some shocking themes and moments from the first-ever Hard Knocks episode.

Who Else Forgot Randall Cunningham Was a Baltimore Raven?

The first episode had one NFL legend that I wasn’t expecting to see: Randall Cunningham.

After a year with the Dallas Cowboys, Cunningham played his final NFL season in Baltimore. While he wasn’t the team’s No.1 guy or anything, he did play well when given the chance. In fact, he won his only two starts and had a solid 81.3 quarterback rating.

Tony Siragusa Was a Jerk

Even now, Tony Siragusa is a polarizing dude. Back then, though, he was just a flat-out dickhead. Between making fun of a guy for being Mormon to treating rookies like shit, “The Goose” had a mentality that’s become a problem in football recently.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmbA9aNhpLk/?hl=en&taken-by=slackiebrown

The “New” Cell Phones in 2001 Look Ancient Now

Rookie Todd Heap and his wife went shopping for cell phones. It will either make you feel old or make you feel bad for kids growing up in the early 2000’s. Watch as the salesperson explains texting, Todd Heap is SO pumped. S/O to Cingular Wireless, #RIP.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmbBxjJBw80/?hl=en&tagged=baltimoreravens

Shannon Sharpe Has Come a Long Way in the Fashion Department

Nowadays, Shannon Sharpe rocks expensive. slim-cut suits on FS1. Back in 2001, however, slim-cut wasn’t a thing.

You can watch the entire first episode here.