At 31, Brandon Etheridge — the Ravens' new general counsel — is the same age as quarterback Joe Flacco.
It's an age when quarterbacks are often in midcareer. But general counsels of NFL clubs? Older attorneys typically hold those positions.
"I think it happened a lot quicker than I expected it would," Etheridge, the Baltimore-born and former Yale football player, said of his speedy career ascent. "If not the youngest, I'm pretty close to it in terms of general counsels in the National Football League."
But his legal background suited the post. He served two years in New York City as a counsel to NFL team executives on issues — including player contracts and health care — related to the league's collective bargaining agreement. Before that, he was an associate in Washington with the law firm Covington & Burling, where his clients included the NFL.
Last week, the league announced a research initiative aimed at reducing head injuries.
"I think the Ravens especially are a team that wants the fans to be proud of it," Etheridge said of public concern about football concussions. "I think that absolutely has to start with player health and safety. We do have to take care of them. The NFL is taking this seriously."
Etheridge is young enough to savor working for the team he rooted for when the Ravens arrived in Baltimore in 1996. Raised in Prince George's and Howard counties, he attended the McDonogh School during grades four through 12.
"I guarantee you today I drove in here and I was still a bit shell-shocked and mesmerized that I'm here," said Etheridge, whose hiring was announced on Wednesday. "It's an absolute dream to be here. At 11 years old, I worshiped this team — all the way up to college.
"I loved the way guys like Peter Boulware would kind of get after the quarterback," said Etheridge, a defensive end in college.
The Ravens have not had a general counsel since 1999. Before joining the front office in 2004, Ravens president Dick Cass was a longtime partner at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering, the Washington law firm. The Ravens also use outside counsel.
Etheridge said his responsibilities likely will include managing or negotiating contracts with sponsors and others, and resolving contract disputes.
The team decided to restore the in-house position partly to relieve pressure on others. Etheridge said the availability of a general counsel's advice should make it easier for other club executives to do their jobs.
"Whether it's sponsorship, whether it's marketing, whether it's finance, whether it's public relations — I see my role as freeing people up to do what they do best," Etheridge said. "I have a ton to learn. I'm in the perfect position to learn from Dick, who has been involved in the National Football League and all of the issues for quite some time."
twitter.com/sunjeffbarker
Brandon Etheridge
Title: Ravens general counsel
Age: 31
Birthplace: Baltimore
Residence: Columbia
Education: Yale University, B.A., Harvard Law School. J.D.
Hobbies/Interests: Working out, attending live sporting events