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Former Ravens Tight End Todd Heap Sends Message To Fans In Half Page Ad

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— Classy move. That's what many are calling Todd Heap's half page letter to fans in Friday's Baltimore Sun.

Heap returns to Baltimore Sunday with the Arizona Cardinals, but as Mary Bubala reports, clearly part of his heart is still here.

The familiar roar of his name: Heap. Ravens fans loved No. 86. They didn't want to see him go.

And now as Heap prepares to return to Baltimore as an Arizona Cardinal, he sends Baltimore fans a special message. In Friday's Baltimore Sun, Heap writes a letter to the city.

"For a decade, my wife Ashley and I took great pride in calling Baltimore home," Heap wrote. "We wanted to publicly and emphatically thank all of you for your incredible support over the years."

"Class act. Not many people would do this to an old team that basically got rid of him, but someone who would take the time means he cares about Baltimore," said Tyrone Qualls, of Baltimore.

"He's loved by all the fans in Baltimore, and I think when he comes into town Sunday, I just think we are going to hear Heap all over," said Bob Larmore, Towson.

"I think it just shows what kind of a great person he is, and I know we really miss him and wish him the best," said a Ravens fan.

Heap also thanked Art Modell and sent his thoughts on the passing of the former owner's wife, Pat.

And he gave a shout out to his former Ravens teammates, saying he was honored and proud to have stepped onto the field with them.

"How much fun he had in his time in Baltimore and how good his career was here, the friends he has back in this community, so I'm not very surprised by it. Todd's a great guy," said Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. 

"I appreciate everything Todd did here over a long period of time," said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh.

Heap also writes, while it wasn't his decision to leave the Ravens, he understands change is part of the game.  And he thanks fans again.

"Your support has touched my family, and I will never forget the cheers of the crowd each and every time you roared 'Heeap,'" he wrote. "Ravens fans, you are tremendous!"

Todd Heap played with the Ravens from 2001 until last year. He signed a two-year contract to play tight end with Arizona. That's his home state.

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