NFL practice squad announcements are mostly accompanied by more intrigue than fanfare. Most casual fans recognize a few names, glance at the list, and immediately shift their attention toward the regular season. There aren't many 'casual' Baltimore Ravens fans, though. The Flock knows everyone, and the scout team can be just as intriguing as the 53-man roster.
Baltimore unveiled its 15-man practice squad on Monday. It's filled with players whose stories are every bit as interesting as their football journeys. From a former caregiver who helped raise three siblings with special needs to a London native who found football halfway around the world, Baltimore's developmental roster features far more than names on a depth chart.
Here is one fun fact
about every member.
Adisa Isaac, EDGE
Before becoming a professional football player, Adisa Isaac spent much of his childhood helping care for his three siblings. Raised in Brooklyn by his single mother, Lisa, he helped his brothers and sister with daily routines, including getting dressed, hygiene, and spending time at the park. His older brother Kyle has cerebral palsy, while his brother Y'ashua and sister Tadj have autism. The former Penn State standout often credits those experiences for helping shape his perspective and resilience.
Nick Dawkins, center
Nick Dawkins comes from one of the most accomplished athletic families in America. He is the son of former NBA star Darryl Dawkins and is related to Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins, Buffalo Bills tackle Dion Dawkins, and NBA All-Star (and 2025-26 champion) Karl-Anthony Towns. As impressive as that lineage is, Dawkins is carving his own path. He also earned the Allstate Wuerffel Trophy, college football's highest honor for community service, academics, and athletic achievement.
Kaimon Rucker, EDGE
Most pass rushers spend their free time watching film. Kaimon Rucker writes poetry. The former North Carolina Tar Heels defender has also said he enjoys singing and once admitted he would choose Broadway if given the chance to perform anywhere. When he's not chasing quarterbacks, he often experiments in the kitchen as an accomplished cook, with steak as his signature dish.
Gerad Lichtenhan, offensive lineman
Standing 6-foot-10, Gerad Lichtenhan became the tallest player in Colorado Buffaloes football history. His size made basketball seem like a natural fit, but he quickly decided it wasn't physical enough for his liking. Instead, he embraced football and eventually developed into one of the top offensive linemen in the Pac-12.
Jonathan Ward, running back
Jonathan Ward's athleticism extends well beyond football. In high school, he excelled in track and field, posting a high jump of 6-foot-4 and a long jump of more than 22 feet. Ravens fans may also remember the spectacular one-handed fake-punt catch he made while playing for the Arizona Cardinals, which quickly became one of the NFL's viral highlights.
Ty Pezza, tight end
There was a time when Ty Pezza believed his football career had already ended. After high school, he planned to attend the University of Utah largely because he loved skiing and intended to watch football games from the stands. A post-graduate season at Phillips Exeter Academy changed everything, ultimately launching him toward the Ivy League as part of the Brown Bears and eventually the NFL.
Rayshaun Benny, defensive tackle
Rayshaun Benny nearly joined the Michigan State Spartans before changing course at the last moment and flipping his commitment to the Michigan Wolverines on National Signing Day. He went on to help the Wolverines win three Big Ten championships and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023. He was also selected 250th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, finishing just seven picks away from becoming Mr. Irrelevant.
K'Von Wallace, safety
K'Von Wallace may be one of the most accomplished players on Baltimore's practice squad. He owns both a College Football Playoff national championship from his days with the Clemson Tigers and a Super Bowl ring from his NFL career. Few developmental players can match that résumé. Wallace earned Third-Team All-ACC honors in 2019.
Carl Jones Jr., linebacker
Before settling in at linebacker, Carl Jones Jr. did a little bit of everything. During high school in California, he played quarterback, wide receiver, and defense while also participating in basketball and track and field. His versatility helped make him one of the state's more intriguing recruits before he eventually landed at UCLA.
David Olajiga, defensive end
David Olajiga's football journey began thousands of miles away from Baltimore. A native of London, England, he discovered the sport while attending school in South London and later entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program. Few players on any roster can claim a path quite like his.
A.J. Arcuri, offensive tackle
A.J. Arcuri was an academic superstar during his six-year run with the Michigan State Spartans. He earned an Academic All-Big Ten nod five times. He was named a semifinalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, which is the highest academic honor in NCAA football.
Nick Vannett, tight end
Vannett was dubbed "Baby Gronk" by fans on Twitter during his college draft process thanks to his 6-foot-6 and over 260-pound frame. His physical build and combination of catching and blocking traits naturally drew comparisons to Rob Gronkowski, but unlike 'Gronk', he has enjoyed a nomadic career, suiting up for nine teams before joining Baltimore. He is also an outdoorsman who loves boating.
Chris Moore, wide receiver
Chris Moore remains one of the most productive receivers in Cincinnati Bearcats history. He still holds the program's career touchdown reception record with 26 and once averaged more than 22 yards per catch during a season. Away from football, Moore and his wife have devoted themselves to supporting families dealing with infant loss after experiencing the stillbirth of their son, C.J., in 2020.
Xavier Guillory, wide receiver
Xavier Guillory proudly represents the Nez Perce Tribal Nation. He honors that heritage by wearing the tribal flag on his helmet during games and hopes his visibility inspires future Native American athletes. His speed became apparent at a young age, when he regularly outran older children during elementary school cross-country races. Once introduced to football, he scored on his first touch of the ball in an organized game.
Jake Moody, kicker
Long before reaching the NFL, Jake Moody became a Michigan legend. Former Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh openly campaigned for Moody to receive "legendary status" after he became the program's all-time leading scorer. He even surpassed Desmond Howard's single-season scoring record.
During his final two collegiate seasons, teammates nicknamed him "Money Moody" because of his remarkable consistency. The nickname had no problem sticking as he went a perfect 148-for-148 on extra points. He also provided automatic consistency inside 50 yards.
Dominic DeLuca, inside linebacker
Dominic DeLuca's college career began as a preferred walk-on with the Penn State Nittany Lions. He eventually earned a scholarship, became a three-time team captain, and emerged as one of the program's most respected leaders. His journey nearly ended before it started after suffering a torn ACL during his final high school season.
Amani Oruwariye, cornerback
Amani Oruwariye once ranked among the NFL's interception leaders, recording six picks during a breakout 2021 season with the Detroit Lions. Off the field, he has modeled for fashion brands, including Golden Goose, and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for kidney cancer research through charitable initiatives.
Worth noting
Practice squads exist to develop talent, provide depth, and prepare players for opportunities that may come without warning. The Ravens certainly hope several names on this list eventually contribute on Sundays.
Until then, this collective serves as a reminder that every NFL roster contains far more than statistics and transactions. Behind every name is a story, and the Ravens have assembled quite a collection.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Fun facts you may not know about every Ravens practice squad member
