BALTIMORE — Coaches, players and fans of the Baltimore Ravens have bought in to not just the teams spectacular play on the field, but also its unofficial catchphrase "Big Truss."
You've probably heard it in postgame interviews or at M&T Bank Stadium during games, but the words "Big Truss" have taken over the City of Baltimore, even if no one knows its exact meaning.
Some, such as fans who spoke to WJZ in Baltimore, believes that the words could stand for having your teammates back or nothing at all, and is part of a humorous game between teammates.
While the meaning of the phrase is not known, and members of the team have not expanded on it, the legend of "Big Truss" has grown since it was introduced by Ravens running back Mark Ingram during a postgame conference when defending the team's starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, and calling for the second-year player to be named MVP of the National Football League for the career-making season he's having.
Mark Ingram himself didn't even elaborate much on the topic in an interview published by the Ravens team. But did reveal that it was a phrase started by Jackson.
"It's just a little something that we have going. I can't expand on it." But we know its love. 'Big Love'. Something along those lines," said Ingram with a chuckle.
After the initial video went viral of Ingram using the phrase, many have taken noticed and embraced its catchiness -- some looking to even capitalize off it financially.
The Baltimore Sun has reported that a Las Vegas apparel company already applied for a trademark for the words on December 13, which could lead to legal issues potentially.
Jackson has not spoken on the meaning of "Big Truss" much, but a recent Tweet from recording artist Drake shows how special the motto is to him.
Drake posted on social media a picture of clothing apparel that had the words "Truss" on it, along with well-wishes for Jackson's birthday.
The Ravens social media team has even started using the "Big Truss" phrase in a variety of ways, including for its players, such as placekicker Justin Tucker, who is known for his clutch game-winning field goals.
Whether you follow and pull for the Ravens, or just are starting to learn more about them as the NFL Playoffs are going, "Big Truss" is growing stronger in Baltimore, and in the Ravens' locker room, with every win.
The Ravens will play the Tennessee Titans on Saturday at 8:15 p.m in the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs. It will be broadcasted on WUSA9.