By By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Terrance Copper came up just short of seeing his Super Bowl dream come true.
For the second time in his five-year NFL career, Copper’s team came up one game shy as his Baltimore Ravens fell, 23-14, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Sunday’s AFC Championship Game. Copper was with the New Orleans Saints when they lost to the Chicago Bears in the 2006 NFC Championship Game.
Copper was inactive for Sunday’s game. He finished the season with two special teams tackles and no catches for the first time in his career.
The former Washington Pam Pack and East Carolina standout has 46 receptions for 600 yards and six touchdowns in his career. He also has 26 kickoff returns for 502 yards (19.3 average) and 41 special-teams tackles.
It was a long, turbulent season for the wide receiver/special teams ace. He was cut by the Saints twice, then ended up playing in just two games for the Ravens.
Copper said that will fuel his desire for next season.
Copper injured a finger last season and ended up needing surgery in the off-season. He wasn’t able to grip the bar and couldn’t lift with his teammates during training sessions.
Copper believes that set him back.
When Copper was getting back to full strength, he suffered another setback when he became ill in London. The food didn’t agree with him, and Copper ended up losing between 10 and 15 pounds.
Copper believes the weight loss played a part in his injury. He suffered a neck and shoulder injury making a tackle in a win against the Houston Texans.
Copper plans to return home today, and will begin training next week.
Before he gets started on his workout routine, Copper plans to enjoy some time off.
Copper had his final day with the Ravens on Monday. Head coach John Harbaugh asked Copper if he wanted to return and the Washington native gave him a quick response.
While Copper wasn’t able to deliver that Super Bowl ring to the city of Washington, he is planning to give more of his time with the Second Annual Terrance Copper Football Camp.
Copper, who said he hasn’t set a date yet, hopes to have players from the Ravens and Saints help out at this year’s camp.
On a final note, Copper thanked those who have supported him.