Posted Feb 7, 2014
Ryan MinkBaltimoreRavens.com Staff Writer@Ravens All Ryan Mink ArticlesHead Coach John Harbaugh gave an update on his week-long trip to visit soldiers abroad.
Head Coach John Harbaugh provided an update on his week-long trip to the Middle East Friday morning onSportsCenter, saying he’s taking lessons from the U.S. Army.
“We’ve had a chance to talk to leaders and soldiers alike and take notes on things that can translate to our team,” Harbaugh said from Afghanistan.
“I’ve got a lot of great ideas for our team. Got a couple training ideas for our guys. Think they’re ready for that?”
On a more serious note, Harbaugh said he’s more taking notice of the Army’s teamwork.
“It’s about working together, about putting the mission above yourself and putting the team above yourself,” he said. “It’s doing everything you can to make the team the very best. That’s really what the military is all about, and that’s what you take back.”
Decked out in his Army green Ravens sweatshirt, Harbaugh talked about spending time with Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno and his troops. Harbaugh and Odierno have become good friends since Harbaugh visited Iraq in 2009 as part of the USO Coaches Tour.
Harbaugh left for his trip to Turkey and Afghanistan soon after receiving the NFL’s Salute to Service award on Saturday night in New York City.
“It’s great to be able to do something like this, along with Gen. Odierno and be around people like this for a week,” Harbaugh said.
“I’m so impressed by our military, how well they work together, how fired up they are about their job, the leadership. It’s just been a tremendous experience. It’s been a lot of fun, we’ve had a lot of laughs. We’ve been over to see how important the mission, how tough it is and what a great job everybody is doing.”
