Working Capital: The Baltimore Ravens have a secret weapon working on their jerseys

Ebony Short, a Baltimore native with a background in design and costume work for Broadway shows such as The Lion King and Cinderella, never anticipated a career in sports. She stumbled upon an opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens while visiting family, applying for the director of uniform services role out of curiosity, which has since evolved significantly beyond initial expectations.

In her role, Short is responsible for customizing uniforms for players, including jerseys, pants, and other gear, with a focus on performance enhancement. She and her team perform special alterations, such as creating approximately 3,500 pads annually that are sewn into various parts of the uniform to address fit and mobility issues, ensuring players can perform at their best without restrictions.

Specific alterations include modifying arm holes for linemen to improve mobility and addressing size discrepancies between standard jersey sizes and players' unique body shapes. The primary goal is to solve performance-related problems, such as preventing uniforms from being too tight or loose, which could hinder play or go unnoticed by referees during games.

Short draws parallels between her current work and her theater background, emphasizing the creative problem-solving involved. Although she cannot add decorative elements like rhinestones, she finds fulfillment in tailoring uniforms to meet the dynamic needs of athletes, highlighting how the job has grown from simple tasks to a crucial, customized service.