Mansoor Delane talks Chiefs-Ravens rivalry, childhood ties

The rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs has defined the AFC in recent years, and now, rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane finds himself right in the middle of it. A Silver Springs, Maryland native, Delane played college football for the Virginia Tech Hokies and LSU Tigers and was selected sixth overall by the Chiefs in the 2026 NFL draft.

Delane revealed that his connection to the rivalry goes back years, having grown up rooting for Baltimore before entering the NFL.

“I grew up a Ravens fan. Not a Ravens fan anymore, but obviously there was some battles,” Delane said.

Those battles have often tilted in Kansas City's favor, something Delane remembers well from his time as a fan watching from afar.

“We always could never get past the Chiefs,” he added. “So I definitely grew up knowing what y’all do.”

Now wearing a Chiefs uniform, Delane's perspective has flipped. Instead of watching the rivalry unfold, he'll be tasked with contributing to Kansas City's efforts to maintain its edge over Baltimore. Over the last 10 meetings since 2011, the Baltimore Ravens have a 3-7 record against the Chiefs and have lost three straight contests.

For Delane, the moment represents both a full-circle experience and a new challenge—going from a fan of one side to a competitor on the other in one of the NFL's most compelling matchups.