It’s an ancient Christian ritual, most often associated with Holy Week in springtime. That’s when clergy perform ritual foot-washing, kneeling to wash congregants’ feet in the days leading up to Easter.
So it was noteworthy when, just days before Christmas, a group of pro football players in Baltimore cradled the feet of public schoolchildren and washed them, then laced clean feet into brand-new sneakers.
Hygiene and Humility
That’s what unfolded Dec. 15 inside Severn Elementary School, where several members of the Baltimore Ravens — including superstars Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers, and Derrick Henry — repeated the ritual. Inspired by the Ravens’ chaplain, Johnnie Shelton, the modern-day gladiators humbled themselves in an act of service to community students. It required soap, towels, and faith.
Photos posted to social media show Jackson smiling as he carefully washes a student’s feet in a basin on the floor, a fresh pair of kicks nearby. Henry and Flowers joined in; in one image, Flowers walks beside a student, both looking down at spotless white sneakers, gleaming like trophies.
Seeing professional athletes demonstrate humility when serving children — many of whom see the players as heroes or role models — might feel unexpected. But that’s the point.
In Christian tradition, foot washing dates to the time of Jesus — part hospitality, part hygiene. Travel in the ancient world meant long, slow miles on rough, dusty roads; since most people wore sandals, hosts washed guests’ feet before meals. The simple, unglamorous task often meant scrubbing away dirt, sweat, and worse.
An Act of Love
The practice carried weight: Jesus used it to model the kind of humility and love he expected from his disciples, famously washing their feet on Maundy Thursday, then urging them to carry that love into the world.
An act of love between teacher and followers centuries ago became a modern gesture of care and empathy between elite football players and grateful students. It was a reminder that greatness isn’t measured only in yards, touchdowns or championship rings. Sometimes, it looks like a towel, a basin, and a brand-new pair of shoes.
Go Ravens.
