OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- All you need to know about the determination of Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta is in his desk drawer.
About two and a half decades before landing his dream job, he wanted to get into the NFL so badly that he offered to work for free for every team in the league, sending resumes to the likes of Al Davis, George Young and Bill Belichick. He was turned down by all but two teams, and he keeps all 30 rejection letters within arm's reach, just in case he decides to show some youngsters what it takes to overcome disappointment or feels like playfully ribbing a personal idol.