In previous years, McClain has met up with the rookies from the Washington Commanders and gone to the NFLPA office in Washington, D.C. to gain knowledge from their union leadership. This year, McClain, a native Philadelphian who has long made Baltimore his home since his playing days as a Ravens linebacker (2008-2013), wanted to do something different and a little more Baltimore-centric.
"This is an opportunity for the rookies to get acclimated to their new environment," McClain said. "This year, it was specifically about the best things about Baltimore and its history, its culture, its tradition. We had to really thrust them into it, and what better place than crabs at Jimmy's Seafood?"
Some rookies jumped right into the feast. In addition to Green, sixth-round cornerback Bilhal Kone was an eager learner who appreciated his first time eating crabs. Fourth-round linebacker Teddye Buchanan, a California native, had come to Jimmy's Seafood just a couple of days earlier and had the Band-Aid around his thumb to prove it.
"I got a chance to test my skills my second time today and felt like I did a lot better than the first time," Buchanan said. "It was a good chance for me to hone in on my skills. I like crab. I like all types of food; I'm open to eating. I learned quickly that everything out here has seafood in it. I'm definitely enjoying it."