It takes a ‘village’: After Ravens cut, Beau Brade gets chance with Giants

LANDOVER Beau Brade hadnt been cut since fifth-grade basketball.

Then the former River Hill High School and University of Maryland star defensive back was released by the Ravens on Aug.

26, just before the start of the season.But it didnt take long for Brade to find his next NFL destination as the New York Giants claimed Brade off waivers and signed him the following day.

The Giants had the leagues third-highest waiver priority and were one of two teams to put in a claim on Brade along with the Jacksonville Jaguars.After a strong preseason last year, Brade made the Ravens 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent and was active for 11 games, playing primarily on special teams.

However, with the Ravens added secondary depth this offseason, namely first-round draft pick Malaki Starks and undrafted rookie standout Reuben Lowery, Brade was released.The 23-year-old safety said that he could sense something coming after his playing time in the last two preseason games.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta praised Brade on the day of his release and said that the team hoped to bring him back on the practice squad.That reunion didnt happen, however, as the Giants were interested in adding Brade to their 53-man roster.

After receiving confirmation from his agent, a sense of relief washed over as Brade quickly got to East Rutherford, New Jersey, and met everyone within the organization.Giants general manager Joe Schoen described Brade as smart, tough and dependable in his Aug.

27 press conference.I for sure do feel like [I have a chip on my shoulder], Brade told The Baltimore Sun.

Especially with that happening and then I feel like opportunities I had or didnt have the last place I was at.

I appreciate them for showing me and teaching me what they know.

I had a lot of leaders that I could learn from the past season there, even coaches or players.

We had a stacked safety room last year, so being able to take that here is great and also learn from the guys here.All the guys and coaches here, I feel like really helps me in my mindset.

Ive had countless defensive back coaches in the last six years.

Ive had more than eight now.

So, its been great to hear everybodys teachings, and it makes me more of a better player.Sunday afternoon against the Washington Commanders, Brade returned to Maryland for the first time as part of the visiting team.

His parents, Ron and Angela, have rarely missed a game throughout his football journey, starting with his youth football days on the Columbia Ravens and Western Howard County Warhawks.Signing with the Giants is helpful in that regard, as more than half of Brades games are within a three-hour drive from home.

While Brade was inactive for Sundays season opener, Ron and Angela were once again in the building, decked out in their Giants blue.Angela and Ron Brade, parents of former Maryland and River Hill football star Beau Brade, pose at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., for the Giants' season opener against the Commanders.

Beau was claimed by the Giants after being cut by the Ravens.

(Jacob Steinberg/Staff)Although they were Brades only family in attendance, his familial and community support runs deep, with many now repping Giants gear.

It extends from Howard County to Southern Virginia and beyond, in what his parents affectionately described as the village.Brades younger sister Brielle was particularly ecstatic about the news as shes been a longtime Giants fan.

Meanwhile, Brade will now be closer to his older sister Bianca, who is in the second year of her MBA program at Columbia University.I think that the nicest thing is that he has been so local, its been a lot easier for us, Ron Brade told The Sun.

A lot of the Maryland games, there would be times where we had 10-15 people that were coming to the games.

So, hes been a part of this community.

Its been great that the community, the village as we refer to it, have been able to gain the experience and kind of follow as well.I just think that its good that he can still remain a part of the community, so thats important for us.

He still does a lot of community activities.

One foundation he supports did a back to school with Beau right before the school year started.

We hope that hell be able to continue that in the New York-New Jersey area but also still in the Baltimore region as well.The move to the Giants also means moving out of his parents house, where Brade stayed last season with its proximity to the Ravens training facility.Its very cool.

Its probably the best thing any parent, any mom could ask for, Angela Brade said.

Hes a very good son and always has been.

He loves the sport.

So, he stays connected, and he also talks to the community, a lot of our friends, old coaches.

Hes a good kid and were just delighted.After going undrafted and now on his second NFL team, the characteristics that helped him reach this point, namely his relentless work ethic, determination and lunch-pail mentality, are not lost on Brade nor his parents.

Those attributes were instilled from a young age as Ron and Beau watched Virginia Tech football games where Ron played.Expected to be drafted on Day 3 and then having to fight for a roster spot as a UDFA, Brade knows nothing is guaranteed.

Only with the Giants for 10 days, hes immersing himself in the playbook and getting assistance from teammates and another new defensive back coach in the process.Related ArticlesJosh Tolentino: Ravens defense cant afford another September slip | COMMENTARYRavens will be thin at key position in season opener against BillsRavens vs.

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Bills scouting report for Week 1: Who has the edge?Ravens 2025 betting preview: Odds and expert picks for Super Bowl hopefulWhen I was in college and younger, in my mind it kind of sucked seeing so much turnaround and switching, Brade said of the constant change.

Being more mature, seeing the benefit that Ive gotten from hearing all these different types of coaches, seeing how they coach, what they like, what they dont like, what you should and shouldnt see as the safety, where your eyes should be.

Getting all the insight from those professionals and people who are really great at their job is amazing and its making me a better player.While Brade doesnt know exactly when his number will be called, hes confident and remains ready for the opportunity.

As Angela said, its all about, applying what you know and doing what you do.When that moment does come, Brade and the entire village supporting him will be more than ready.My favorite play is going to be the play he makes for the Giants, Angela Brade said.

Whenever that is, thats going to be the best play of all.Have a news tip? Contact Jacob Steinberg at [email protected], 443-442-9445 and x.com/jacobstein23..

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