When actor Michael K. Williams, perhaps best known for portraying Omar in the HBO series “The Wire” set in Baltimore, passed away Ravens fans had an idea.
It seems the organization listened.
Ravens fans thought that the team should play the “Omar whistle” prior to a game. The idea generated a ton of buzz on social media among Baltimore supporters. In the series, Omar would announce his presence by whistling “The Farmer in the Dell” to let the block know that…Omar’s coming.
(Note: The video below does contain profanity):
Here was the scene prior to kickoff, and before the Ravens took the field. The scoreboards went black, and then fans heard the trademark whistling:
For Omar 🎶 pic.twitter.com/NT6TugVaEf
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 20, 2021
This was the view from the stands:
Ravens play Omar whistling in fan suggested-tribute to Michael K. Williams tribute 🎥 @emilyopilo pic.twitter.com/a7hXDRqm95
— Justin Fenton (@justin_fenton) September 20, 2021
Ravens fans, including those who were among proponents of the idea, loved the execution:
‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ https://t.co/pxoGFD4HjQ
— Reeta GAWDell (@theNFLchick) September 20, 2021
The energy, however, did not exactly propel the Ravens to a hot start. Lamar Jackson threw a Pick-Six early in the game, giving the Kansas City Chiefs an early lead. The Ravens did respond with a touchdown on their next possession to tie the game at seven.
But regardless of how this game ends, Ravens fans will remember how it began.