Baltimore, MD — Baltimore Ravens rookie offensive tackle Carson Vinson has requested to miss the 2025 NFL season opener (Week 1) to care for his mother, who was injured in a serious car accident. The team, however, denied the request, while pledging comprehensive support to ensure Vinson can focus on football and bring glory to Baltimore.

Vinson, a standout from Alabama A&M and the only HBCU player selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, grew up in Cary, North Carolina, in a tight-knit but private family. According to sources, his mother—who raised him through challenging circumstances—was recently injured in a car accident in Raleigh while working as a delivery driver.

“Carson has always been a family-first guy. He wants to be there for his mom when she needs him most,” a family friend said.

Drafted by the Ravens in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Vinson had asked to sit out Week 1 to support his mother’s recovery. However, with head coach John Harbaugh viewing him as a promising developmental tackle behind veterans Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten, the team opted to keep him in the lineup.

In a recent press conference, Vinson expressed his gratitude through tears:

“The Ravens aren’t just a team—they’re my second family. When my mom’s accident happened, they stepped up with everything from medical support to constant check-ins. I’m going to give my all on the field, for my mom and for Baltimore, to bring the success this city deserves.”

In a statement, the Ravens praised Vinson’s devotion to his family but underscored his importance to the offensive line, especially as the team aims for its first playoff win in years after a strong 2024 season.

Though his absence was denied, the Ravens secured his mother’s transfer to Duke University Hospital in Durham, where she now occupies a specialized rehabilitation unit with 24-hour monitoring. The team is covering all related expenses and assigned a dedicated care coordinator to keep Vinson informed.

They also arranged family housing and travel, ensuring Vinson’s relatives can remain close without financial strain.

“My mom has the best doctors watching over her, and the Ravens are checking in every day,” Vinson said. “They’ve given me the strength to fight for Baltimore on the field, knowing my family is cared for.”

At Alabama A&M in 2024, Vinson recorded 61 knockdowns and allowed just one sack in 447 pass block snaps, earning Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year honors. In the 2025 preseason, he impressed with his physicality and long arms, drawing praise from offensive line coach George Warhop for his potential.

“You can see Carson’s raw power out there,” Harbaugh said after a preseason game against the Eagles.

Still, his technique and footwork remain works in progress, raising questions about his readiness for a backup role in Week 1.

The Ravens’ 2025 opener looms as a major test, with Vinson expected to contribute to a robust offensive line alongside Stanley and Rosengarten. With the team’s backing, he can take the field with confidence, providing depth and tenacity while striving to help Baltimore break through its playoff barrier.

Vinson’s story is more than just about football skills—it’s about balancing family responsibility with professional ambition. By standing behind him, the Ravens are proving they’re not just building a team, but a community.