The NFL Draft is a life-changing moment for young athletes who have spent years dreaming of hearing their name called, knowing that it marks the beginning of their professional career. For Malaki Starks, a star safety from the University of Georgia, the moment was especially emotional as the Baltimore Ravens made their call to welcome him into the league. The story behind that call goes beyond football, representing resilience, sacrifice, and the overwhelming emotion of seeing years of hard work finally come to fruition.
Malaki Starks’ rise to prominence began in high school, where he became one of the most highly recruited athletes in the nation. Starks’ skill set as a safety was undeniable. His combination of speed, vision, and football IQ made him a perfect fit for any program. The fact that he was able to make an immediate impact at Georgia only added to his reputation. A standout during his freshman year and an instrumental piece in Georgia’s dominant defense, Starks was often mentioned among the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
But his journey wasn’t always a straight path. Like many young athletes, Starks faced adversity along the way. Whether it was navigating the pressures of living up to a national reputation or dealing with the typical ups and downs of college football, Starks pushed through. His growth on the field was matched by his development off it, where he learned the true value of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance.
As the draft approached, speculation about where Starks might land began to intensify. The Ravens, known for their defensive prowess and keen eye for talent, had long been mentioned as a team that could add a versatile and athletic defensive back like Starks. His ability to read the game, cover ground quickly, and be a game-changer on defense was exactly what the Ravens were looking for to complement their already formidable defense.
Baltimore has always prided itself on its strong defensive culture, from legendary linebackers like Ray Lewis to safeties such as Ed Reed and more recently, players like Marcus Williams. Starks was seen as a natural fit within that culture—a player who could bring leadership, intensity, and a strong football IQ to the Ravens’ secondary.
Starks’ name started to appear on several mock drafts as a potential pick for Baltimore, with many experts predicting that his combination of athleticism and intelligence would be a great match for the Ravens’ defensive system. But as with any draft, there were no guarantees. The nerves that Starks must have felt in the days leading up to the draft were palpable.
On the night of the draft, with the cameras rolling and the world watching, Starks sat anxiously alongside his family. His phone, which had been buzzing with calls and messages for days, remained quiet in the moments leading up to his potential selection. The tension in the room was thick. His mother, father, and younger siblings surrounded him, sharing the emotional weight of the moment. There was no telling where he would go, but the uncertainty only added to the anticipation.
And then, it came. The phone rang, and as Starks answered, his face shifted from anxious to joyous. The Baltimore Ravens were on the other line. The voice on the other end congratulated him on being selected in the NFL Draft. His emotions instantly surged as he realized that the dream he’d been chasing for so many years was about to become a reality.
“I just want to thank you so much, Coach, I’m so excited to be part of the Ravens family,” Starks said through the tears. The voice on the other end was calm and reassuring, congratulating him once again and welcoming him to the team.
What made this call so emotional wasn’t just the realization that Starks was heading to the NFL—it was the culmination of everything he had been through. The sacrifices he had made, the long hours of practice, the pressure of being a top recruit, the highs and lows of his college career—all of it poured into that one moment.
As Starks wiped away tears, his family erupted in joy. His mother, who had been his biggest supporter from day one, hugged him tightly, sharing in the overwhelming pride and excitement. His father, who had always believed in him, gave him a firm pat on the back, knowing that his son had achieved what many could only dream of. The support of his family was a central theme in Starks’ journey, and in that moment, it was clear that they had been by his side every step of the way.
The emotions of the moment were not lost on the Ravens’ coaching staff either. For Head Coach John Harbaugh and Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald, Starks was a perfect fit for their vision. Harbaugh, known for his ability to develop strong, well-rounded players, was excited to bring Starks into the fold. “We see a lot of potential in you, Malaki. Your talent, your football IQ, and your leadership skills will help us continue to build on the foundation we’ve already established,” Harbaugh told him.
For Starks, hearing these words from the coach of a team with such a rich defensive history meant everything. It was more than just about being drafted—it was about being drafted by a team with a legacy of defensive greatness, a team that believed in him as much as he believed in himself.
In the weeks that followed, Starks began to soak in the reality of his new situation. He was no longer just a college player; he was now a professional, ready to take on the challenges of the NFL. He would be joining a defense that featured some of the league’s best, including cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Marcus Williams, who had already established themselves as key pieces of Baltimore’s secondary.
For Starks, the opportunity to learn from veterans like Williams and Humphrey was a crucial part of his development. As he prepared to join the Ravens’ mini-camps and training sessions, he knew that he had to continue working hard to make an immediate impact. But the first step was already behind him—the emotional phone call that marked the beginning of his professional career.
In the weeks that followed, Starks spoke about the motivation he drew from his family’s support, as well as the lessons he had learned from his time at Georgia. “The coaches at Georgia taught me so much about discipline and preparation,” Starks said. “Now I’m ready to bring that mindset to Baltimore and contribute to this team. I want to be part of a defense that dominates.”
One of the most significant aspects of Starks’ journey to the NFL is the role his family has played. His parents, who sacrificed so much to ensure he had every opportunity to succeed, were there every step of the way. They had instilled in him the importance of hard work, humility, and gratitude—values that have stayed with him throughout his journey.
As Malaki Starks takes the next step in his career with the Baltimore Ravens, his family’s legacy will continue to be a guiding force. His journey is a testament to the power of support, determination, and love—a reminder that behind every great athlete is a team of people who have helped them along the way.
The emotional phone call from the Ravens was just the beginning. For Malaki Starks, the future is bright, and his journey has only just begun. The NFL, and the Baltimore Ravens, now have a young star who is ready to take the league by storm, and his journey to greatness will be one for the history books.
