Football is back. As the 2026 NFL season begins, we're revisiting a summer event where we witnessed firsthand how a different kind of competition is helping keep the Baltimore Ravens competitive off the field.

We visited the Ravens at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills, Maryland, where table tennis has become a go-to locker room battle, and pickleball has taken hold with members of the front office. With JOOLA’s roots in the region, it was the perfect opportunity to connect with our hometown football team, upgrade their setup, and share the gear, knowledge, and paddle sports energy that define JOOLA.

The day started with a special delivery: new Red Carbon CTR rackets, a JOOLA Tour 2500 table tennis table, and a fresh supply of JOOLA 3 Star Advanced balls. JOOLA’s resident table tennis expert and professional table tennis coach Matt Hetherington was also on hand to work with Ravens players Tyler Loop, Ryan Eckley, Nick Moore, Teddye Buchanan, and Silas Walters, offering individual tips before jumping into singles matches of his own. 

“They are a great bunch of super competitive guys, really eager to learn — and to beat each other,” said Hetherington. “I taught them some basic techniques and tried to stabilize the shots they already had to help them be more consistent. They all had their own strengths and can hold their own at the recreational level. It was a fun time, and they are all very down to earth.”

From there, the action shifted from the locker room to the pickleball court.

Team JOOLA joined General Manager Eric DeCosta and members of the Ravens' front office for a relaxed, competitive session at the Performance Center. DeCosta and his staff are avid pickleball players who are always looking for places to play, especially while traveling. We were happy to point them toward JOOLA-recommended facilities to check out on upcoming road trips.

Before the games got going, we walked the group through the latest JOOLA paddle technology, including the different paddle shapes across the Pro V collection and what makes the JOOLA Pro V series stand out. Then, the Ravens staff had the chance to demo each shape, find the feel that matched their game, and put the paddles straight into play.

It was the kind of crossover we love: elite football minds trading chalk talks for kitchen lines, professional athletes sharpening their hand speed at the table, and a shared appreciation for competition that goes well beyond one sport.

Overall, it was a very relaxed and fun atmosphere with JOOLA employees hanging out with the Ravens players and staff and bonding over our shared appreciation for table tennis and pickleball.

As the Ravens turn the page toward a new NFL season, we were grateful for the chance to spend time with players and staff in Owings Mills and bring JOOLA paddle sports into the mix. Whether it was table tennis in the locker room or pickleball on the court, the day was a reminder that competition, connection, and a good rally can show up anywhere.