Family Affair in Baltimore: JT Taggart Links Up with Dad Willie as Ravens Host Maryland for Preseason Opener

It’s not every day that a preseason football game turns into a full-circle family moment, but that’s exactly what happened when the Baltimore Ravens hosted the University of Maryland for their preseason opener. On the field was Maryland tight end JT Taggart, suiting up with his Terps teammates. On the Ravens’ sideline stood his father, Willie Taggart, Baltimore’s running backs coach and a longtime figure in the college and pro football world. For the Taggarts, this wasn’t just another day of football—it was personal, emotional, and memorable in all the best ways.

There’s something special about seeing family cross paths on the gridiron, especially when they’re doing it at this level. For JT, walking onto an NFL field already carries weight. Doing it with your dad working just a few yards away? That’s next level. Even in a stadium filled with top-tier athletes, coaches, and scouts, this father-son connection stood out.

The Ravens and Terps both have strong ties to the state of Maryland, so this crossover was bound to feel like a homecoming of sorts. College programs don’t often get to stand in the same stadium as NFL franchises, but when it does happen, there’s an energy in the air that’s hard to ignore. For the Terps players, it was a chance to catch a glimpse of the level many of them aspire to reach. For JT Taggart, though, it was a literal look at where his dad goes to work every day.

You can imagine what that felt like for the two of them. JT’s been grinding through college workouts, game film, and practice reps, building a name for himself in Maryland’s offense. Meanwhile, Willie’s been in the thick of things with the Ravens, helping mold Baltimore’s dynamic rushing attack, getting ready for another year of high expectations. To have those two worlds briefly collide in such a public and heartfelt way? That’s not just cool—it’s rare.

There were no dramatic sideline reunions or teary tributes caught on camera, but that’s not the Taggart style. This was about something deeper. Quiet pride. Mutual respect. A dad watching his son grow up before his eyes, now competing at a high level, chasing the dream with the same fire he once did. And a son seeing his father not just as “Dad,” but as a coach at the top of the game. That shared football DNA is real, and moments like these highlight just how deep it runs.

Let’s talk about JT for a minute. He’s not just out there riding the family name—he’s earning his spot. A rising tight end for the Terps, JT has been on scouts’ radars thanks to his blend of size, hands, and athleticism. At 6-foot-4 with a sturdy frame and good burst off the line, he’s the kind of hybrid tight end modern offenses love. Maryland’s coaching staff has praised his work ethic, and he’s steadily carved out a bigger role in their offense. If he keeps trending upward, he’s absolutely the kind of player who could follow in his dad’s NFL footsteps—not as a coach, but as a player.

Watching him warm up and take the field at M&T Bank Stadium—home turf for the Ravens—felt like a preview of what could be. The lights, the atmosphere, the pro-level tempo… it’s all part of the test. And if anyone’s equipped to help him understand what it takes to thrive in that environment, it’s Willie. The elder Taggart has worn nearly every hat in football—player, coordinator, head coach, mentor—and now, he’s a respected member of one of the NFL’s most consistent franchises. That experience isn’t lost on JT, and you can bet there have been plenty of father-son talks about the path to Sundays.

What makes this story even richer is Willie Taggart’s journey itself. A longtime college coach, he’s led programs like Western Kentucky, South Florida, Oregon, Florida State, and FAU. Through the ups and downs of the coaching world, he’s always been a players’ coach—someone known for connecting with his guys, motivating them, and pushing them to grow on and off the field. That same energy translates into how he’s raised his son. It’s no surprise that JT carries himself with poise and focus. When your dad has coached Heisman winners and built entire programs from scratch, the bar is set high.

Willie’s role with the Ravens is a newer chapter in his career, but it’s already proving to be a valuable one. Baltimore’s identity has long been built around toughness, especially in the run game. That’s where Willie fits right in. His presence in the running backs room adds another layer of depth to an already dangerous ground attack. He understands player development, he knows how to get the best out of young talent, and he brings a calm, steady influence that’s perfect for a team with serious postseason ambitions.

Back to the night itself—there was a noticeable buzz in the stadium. Sure, it was preseason, but there was real excitement in the stands and on the sidelines. Terps players soaked in the moment, getting a chance to walk the same tunnel as Lamar Jackson and company. There’s something motivating about being that close to your dreams. For JT, it was something even more unique: not just chasing the dream, but getting to share it, side by side, with the person who lit the spark in the first place.

You can imagine the quiet nods exchanged after the game. Maybe a short conversation behind the scenes. JT in his Maryland gear, sweaty and fired up from competition. Willie in Ravens colors, smiling, probably giving a firm pat on the back and a few choice words only a football dad could say. Not every parent gets to witness their child chasing the dream up close. And not every player gets to show his growth in front of the man who taught him the game. That’s what made this moment so powerful. It was football. It was family. It was Baltimore doing what it does best—bringing people together through the game.

And for all the talk about coaching trees and football families, this is one of the good ones. There’s no clout-chasing here. No hype for the sake of headlines. Just two guys who love the game, grinding in their own lanes, meeting in the middle for one unforgettable night. JT Taggart is still writing his story, but moments like these give you a pretty strong sense of where he’s headed. And wherever that is, you can be sure his dad will be watching, coaching, supporting, and—above all—proud.

In a league full of storylines, contract drama, and preseason noise, sometimes it’s the quiet family moments that hit the hardest. One night, one stadium, one tight end chasing the future, and one father already standing there. That’s the kind of thing you don’t see on the stat sheet. But you feel it. And in football, those are the stories that last.