Obama congratulates Super Bowl champion Ravens

President Obama gestures as he welcomes the Super Bowl XLVII champion Baltimore Ravens football team to the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, today.

WASHINGTON  — President Obama has welcomed the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens to the White House, congratulating the team on its unlikely Super Bowl run.

Obama praised the team not only for the goal line stand that sealed its second Super Bowl trophy but its charitable work in blue-collar Baltimore.

Quarterback Joe Flacco was singled out for being the most valuable player, safety Ed Reed for the game’s only interception and legendary linebacker Ray Lewis for returning from injury to lead the defense in the playoffs.

Ravens executive Ozzie Newsome gave Obama the traditional team jersey which read, “Mr. President” and had the number 44, while head coach John Harbaugh warned Obama, a Chicago Bears fan, that the team has plans for a return trip to the White House next year.