Owings Mills Native Sam Mustipher Returns Home, Signs With Baltimore Ravens As Backup Center

OWINGS MILLS - The Baltimore Ravens have signed a new backup center. The best part? He grew up in Owings Mills.

Sam Mustipher, the former Chicago Bears center, has signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens, a source close to the situation confirmed to the Baltimore Sun.

For Mustipher, the signing marks a special homecoming. Growing up in Owings Mills and excelling at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, he now has the opportunity to practice and play in the same city he called home. The journey from local standout to professional football player has come full circle.

Undrafted from Notre Dame in 2019, Mustipher defied expectations by assuming the role of the Bears' starting center late in the 2020 season, starting the final six games. While he encountered some struggles the following year, his determination and improvement were evident, earning him a higher Pro Football Focus grade of 63.4 for the season.

Although his pass blocking showed room for improvement, Mustipher showcased his strength in run blocking, contributing to the Bears' seventh-best run blocking grade in the league in 2022, as recognized by Pro Football Focus.

Joining the Ravens gives Mustipher a fresh start and an opportunity to contribute to an already strong offensive line. If Ravens starting center, Tyler Linderbaum, misses time in 2024, a hometown hero will be ready to take his place.