How Ravens Coach John Harbaugh is Saving Christmas

The Ravens have to prioritize work over family this Christmas Day, but it doesn't mean family isn't a focal point.

As you read this the Baltimore Ravens are either on their way or getting set to take off for San Francisco, California.

There, they'll spend Christmas Eve getting set for the Ravens' toughest game of the season so far, then Christmas night they'll face the 49ers with the winner claiming the best record in the NFL.

By the time they get out and fly back home to Maryland, Baltimore will have missed two days that many consider the most family-focused of the entire year. All in the name of football.

Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh / FanStreamSports.com

"We tried to set up a little bit of a different week when we get started earlier in the week and now as we break, the guys are going to get some time with their family for Christmas," coach John Harbaugh said about the scheduling conundrum. "Because they're going to be leaving and are not going to be here on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or Christmas night. Then they’ll be back the 26th, basically. So, we tried to give them some time, some family time to have Christmas with their families tonight and then tomorrow during the day, and they’ll report for the plane when we leave [Saturday] late afternoon.”

The Grinch among us may not care much about the several millionaire players having to miss this holiday with their families but until the day comes that money truly takes away one's humanity, it matters.

Having the opportunity to spend family time together, perhaps open some gifts and share in a good meal before leaving for work this weekend is good for the mind. And what's good for the mind is good for the body.

Surely, Ravens families are understanding about the absence this Christmas, and are doing what they can to ensure affected children can as much as possible, but the care being taken to players and their loved ones is an often underrated point of coaching and managing professional athletes.

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We often jump at the chance to pounce on teams and coaches who fail to take care of family and players' personal needs off the football field. So, with Harbaugh and his staff doing what they can to give Baltimore players and families some time to recoup their personal loss this weekend, it's necessary to shed some light on the positive side of this coin.

It's a nice gift to give the AFC-leading Ravens this holiday season, and an even nicer one would be a win for all involved to bring home as evidence of a holiday business trip well spent. 

As a consolation, the defeated 49ers will get to mend their wounds at home on Christmas night. Courtesy of the NFL schedule makers.