He loved the idea of a blitzing defense that would put enormous pressure on him to cover receivers one-on-one. That's how the Broncos played during his stellar rookie season. Foxworth had also heard about the obsessive film-watching habits of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and other Ravens defenders. It was another selling point for a player who likes to spend three or four hours a night rewinding and fast-forwarding through game tapes.
"I can't wait," he says. "That's something I've always liked, and I've never had as strong a team of film watchers as I'll have here."
It added up to a pretty easy decision for the young man from Randallstown, who showed his enthusiasm by bringing much of his family to his contract announcement. (His parents have moved with him to his first two NFL stops but plan to stay in Atlanta, save for Ravens game days.)
Bailey, who knows a thing or two about the position, says Foxworth will thrive as a full-time starter. "Oh yeah, he'll be great for a long time," he says. "He's a model citizen. He's from that area. How could it be any better?"
Given his personality and roots, Foxworth should become a popular Raven. But he knows the hometown love will be fleeting if he does not play well.
"I know the Baltimore fans well," he says. "If I don't perform, they won't be my fans. But I am good, so I don't worry about losing the support of the people."
Domonique Foxworth
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5-11 Weight: 180 pounds
Birth date: March 27, 1983
College: Maryland
High school: Western Tech, where he was Sun first-team All-Metro and All-Baltimore County
Hometown: Randallstown
Career: Drafted by the Broncos in the third round (97th overall) of 2005 NFL draft; played three seasons in Denver before being traded Sept. 2, 2008, to the Atlanta Falcons. Played one season with the Falcons before signing with the Ravens as an unrestricted free agent Feb. 17.
Highlights: Has played in 60 games, making 28 starts, recording 177 tackles and intercepting four passes.
Source: Ravens
