<
        >

          NFL Nation

          How Ravens' Anthony Levine helps children tackle virtual learning

          Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire
          • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterDec 12, 2020, 11:00 AM
            Close
              Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
            Follow on X

          OWINGS MILLS, Maryland -- Like many parents, Baltimore Ravens special-teams ace Anthony Levine felt the anxiety of making sure his children were ready to learn virtually during the coronavirus pandemic.

          Levine went out to buy tablets and computers for his two children, Anthony Jr. and Alexander, and realized how expensive it became.

          "I know me as a kid, there's no way my mom could afford this," Levine said. "If the school isn't providing it, how are the kids going to learn?"

          Levine's 4Every1 Foundation established the Connectivity Divide Program, which provides families with children access to the internet for remote schooling. In selected markets in Maryland, Georgia and Michigan, households in need receive mobile hot spots that cover eight devices for nine months.

          Levine was among the NFL grant recipients of Inspire Change, the league's social justice initiative that aims to reduce barriers to opportunity. Over the past two years, more than $70 million in grants have been awarded.

          "People always say that all the time, you can be anything you want to be, but do we actually push kids to be whatever they really want to be?" Levine said. "We’ve got to get out of the mold of keep pushing our kids to just be athletes."

          For Levine, school was a challenge because of a learning disability. He was told just to make sure his grade-point average was above 2.0 so he could be eligible for football and track.

          Levine's goal now is to raise the bar. He's not just someone who is in his ninth NFL season. He is pursuing a master's degree in social work.

          "You can be the president of the United States one day," Levine said. "You can be the governor. You can be the chief of police. You don’t have to be a football player, a basketball player, or a baseball player. Don’t look at that as that’s the only way I can be successful."

          Nicknamed "Co-Cap," Levine has provided a helping hand for years with the Ravens, assisting young players to succeed on special teams. An undrafted player out of Tennessee State in 2010, he understands what it takes to make it in the NFL when nothing is guaranteed. Levine's streak of 117 straight games played, which ended last month, is the fifth longest in Ravens history.

          In meetings, when others aren't asking questions, Levine will bring up issues to discuss. Oftentimes, a teammate will say he was just thinking about that. Then, Levine will respond, "You should have asked that question."

          "He’s not only just a good player, but he’s a coach," Ravens special-teams coordinator Chris Horton said. "He’s like having an extra coach out there, because he’ll see things. He does a great job of helping those young guys."

          Education has always been important to Levine. Before helping students with their virtual learning, he established an SAT preparation program at a Baltimore City high school.

          "It’s all about taking opportunities and running with it, and education is the key, especially with all that’s going on today," Levine said. "So you’ve gotta understand that you’ve got to learn and take advantage of your everyday opportunities."