OWINGS MILLS, Md. – With a name just slightly longer than a key character from “The Wire,” the iconic HBO series set in Baltimore, Marlon Humphrey seems destined to don the Ravens uniform.

The character Marlo Stanfield was a ruthless figure who rose as a drug lord during the latter part of the show’s five-season run. In contrast, Humphrey, the cornerback often called “Marlo” by his teammates, won’t be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year this season, but he was selected as an All-Pro and made his third Pro Bowl. Yet, no one in the Ravens’ defense made more significant plays when it counted than Humphrey during the 2024 season.

He made a crucial interception against Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow with only three minutes left in the game while the Ravens were down by three points (they eventually secured a victory in overtime). He also recorded two interceptions in a national “Monday Night Football” game versus Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unfortunately, he had to leave due to a knee injury right before the Buccaneers scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, contributing to the Ravens’ loss against the Cleveland Browns in the subsequent game.

Humphrey’s first career pick-six came in Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens’ divisional rival and wild-card opponent on Saturday night (8 p.m. ET, Amazon), giving the Ravens a significant two-touchdown advantage in the fourth quarter. Earlier that season, he had another interception in the end zone during an 18-16 defeat to Pittsburgh, where the defense had prevented any touchdowns. Quarterback Lamar Jackson noted that Humphrey’s strip of Bengals running back Chase Brown during “Thursday Night Football” “woke us up” when the team was trailing 21-7, leading to a dramatic 35-34 comeback win.

Humphrey does all this with a personality rarely seen in NFL locker rooms.

“He’s truly one of a kind,” said Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens in an interview with YSL News Sports. “He brings lots of energy every single day, and you just won’t find another Marlo like him.”

Who else takes time to journal before a game while propped against the goal post in chilly weather? Or turns to Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti for advice on romantic matters?

This past offseason, a Bleacher Report article named Humphrey the most overrated defensive back in the NFL. However, Stephens argues that Humphrey’s improved statistics this season are evidence not only of his skills but also of his work ethic and approach. He is dedicated during practice and commits even more time outside of it.

“His vibe is unique,” wide receiver Nelson Agholor told YSL News Sports. “He’s charismatic, outgoing, and definitely a team player. We all have a lot of respect and love for him.”

Agholor notes that Humphrey’s genuine personality shines through daily in front of the team. Having played with numerous teammates over his decade-long career, Agholor said, “But with Marlon, he’s consistent. It’s not just an act; it’s truly who he is.”

Humphrey wrapped up the season with 15 passes defended, a personal best of six interceptions (matching his total from 2020-23), and 50 solo tackles. His performance in the 2019 season earned him his first Pro Bowl selection as well as a spot on the AP’s All-Pro first team.

“I quickly got used to Marlon’s style,” Stephens, who was drafted by Baltimore in 2021, said. “When I first arrived, I was surprised to see how energetic he was.”

“You definitely adapt to it.”

As the College Football Playoff approached, the Ravens encouraged players to share their predictions on camera while leaving the field. Humphrey, however, took a few minutes while everyone else quickly gave their predictions, passionately explaining why he believed his Alabama Crimson Tide had been wronged.

“We love Marlon. We want Marlon to remain true to himself,” said Orr. “If he’s not being himself, then there’s a problem. So we all appreciate his unique personality.”

Humphrey welcomed a baby in December and married earlier in 2024. He arrived at the season lighter than last, weighing around 190 pounds after spending the previous seasons at about 200 pounds. He mentioned in camp, “I put on my grown-man weight, and it just stuck. But it’s a young man’s game, so I wanted to slim down a tad.”

During training camp, Humphrey expressed how he intended to tackle the season, especially following the sudden passing of offensive line coach Joe D’Alessandris at 70 in August, tight end Mark Andrews’s involvement in a car accident, and Orr’s early retirement caused by a neck issue. “It’s made me calmer as a player, allowed me to enjoy what I can, control what I can control, and I think that’s made the biggest difference,” Humphrey reflected in December. “Plus, I’m focused on minimizing unnecessary stress.”

For instance, he noted, rather than being one of the last players to board the team plane for road games, he got to the train before it took the Ravens to New Jersey for their December game against the New York Giants.

“I’m thankful for this organization and these coaches. All these small steps have helped alleviate stress and allowed me to play more freely, which I believe has shown this year,” Humphrey explained.

Drafted in the first round in 2017 (16th overall), Humphrey is in his eighth professional season yet is only 28 years old. Orr commented that Humphrey has enhanced his leadership this year, recognizing he has to step up as a role model for less experienced players.

“He undeniably has a unique flair about him,”

Orr expressed his admiration for Marlon’s character, noting that he remains authentic and straightforward. “He’s going to share his feelings honestly, always coming from a place of positivity,” Orr stated.

Since Week 11, the Ravens have led the NFL with the best expected points added (EPA) per dropback at -0.15. During this period, they’ve allowed only 15.1 points per game, an improvement from the 25.3 points surrendered in the first ten games of the season.

This defensive turnaround corresponded with Humphrey shifting primarily to the nickel cornerback position, where he faced slot receivers, while rookie Nate Wiggins held his own on the outside. Additionally, safety Marcus Williams was benched in favor of Ar’Darius Washington, and Kyle Hamilton returned to a more traditional safety role.

Humphrey’s role in the nickel position enables him to play with greater assertiveness, shedding the typical caution required of a cornerback.

“I enjoy tackling,” Humphrey mentioned during training camp.

Coming into this season, Humphrey aimed to maintain his health, and aside from a minor knee issue encountered against Tampa Bay, he succeeded.

“When Marlon is fit and performing at his peak, he enhances our defense,” said Ravens passing game coordinator and assistant head coach Chris Hewitt to the media in December. “He injects grit and energy into the team, embodying what it means to be part of this defense. His high level of play elevates our performance.”