Wink Martindale visits Ravens as Jesse Minter honors his legacy

Wink Martindale was back around the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday, and Jesse Minter made it clear how much respect he has for one of the franchise’s former defensive leaders. A former Ravens and Michigan defensive coordinator, Martindale’s last NFL defense ranked 17th overall. Minter called Martindale “mentor” and “a Ravens legend” after the former Ravens defensive coordinator visited practice during mandatory minicamp. Martindale, who served as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, also spent time speaking with owner Steve Bisciotti and executive vice president Ozzie Newsome during practice.

The visit offered a reminder of Martindale’s place in Ravens history and the defensive identity he helped shape during his time in Baltimore. His defenses were known for their pressure, aggression, disguise, and confidence, and his personality fit an organization long defined by defense.

For Minter, Martindale’s presence carried personal and professional meaning. Calling him a mentor reflected the influence Martindale has had on his career, while calling him a Ravens legend acknowledged how strongly he remains connected to the organization despite no longer being on the staff.

Jesse Minter called Wink Martindale “a mentor” and “a Ravens legend.”

Martindale, who was the Ravens DC from 2018 to 2021, visited the Ravens on Tuesday. He spoke with owner Steve Bisciotti and Ravens executive VP Ozzie Newsome during practice. pic.twitter.com/BGhGceAPiS

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 9, 2026

Martindale’s tenure as defensive coordinator included several highly competitive units and some of the NFL’s most aggressive pressure packages. He helped continue a defensive tradition built by names such as Marvin Lewis, Rex Ryan, Chuck Pagano, and Dean Pees, and his time in Baltimore further reinforced the Ravens’ reputation as one of the league’s most defense-driven franchises.

The timing of the visit also stood out because Minter is working to put his own stamp on the Ravens’ defense. Baltimore has high-end talent with Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Nnamdi Madubuike, Malaki Starks, and others. Still, the unit is also trying to build on a late-season surge after an uneven overall defensive performance last year.

Minter has already earned praise from Smith, who said the coach’s “track record speaks for itself” and noted that there is a “method behind the madness.” Those comments, combined with Minter’s respect for Martindale, point to a defense being built around attention to detail, communication, and a deep understanding of Baltimore’s standard.

For the Ravens, Martindale’s return to the practice field was more than a familiar face stopping by. It was a link between the franchise’s defensive past and the group Minter is trying to lead forward in 2026.

Martindale is no longer calling Baltimore’s defense, but his impact remains visible. Minter’s comments made that clear, and his visit gave the Ravens another reminder of how much defensive tradition still matters inside the building.

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Jesse Minter credits Wink Martindale as mentor and Ravens legend