For years, the Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs rivalry has been the heartbeat of the AFC. Now, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane isn't just watching from the stands—he's suiting up for the team he once rooted against.
A native of Silver Spring, Maryland, Delane grew up a die-hard Ravens fan. But after a standout college career at Virginia Tech and LSU, the Chiefs made him the sixth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. And suddenly, his loyalties have shifted.
"I grew up a Ravens fan. Not a Ravens fan anymore, but obviously there was some battles," Delane said with a laugh. "We always could never get past the Chiefs. So I definitely grew up knowing what y'all do."
Those battles have been lopsided in recent years. Since 2011, the Ravens are just 3-7 against Kansas City and have lost three straight. For Delane, watching from home as a fan was one thing. Now, he's the one tasked with keeping that streak alive.
The moment is both a full-circle experience and a new challenge—going from a fan of one side to a competitor on the other in one of the NFL's most compelling matchups. Whether he's locking down receivers or adding to the Chiefs' defensive legacy, Delane is ready to flip the script.
As the rivalry heats up, one thing is clear: Delane is all in on the red and gold.
