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Special Olympics athlete pursues dream job, interviews Ravens Steve Smith Sr.

Posted at 8:55 PM, Aug 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-17 12:14:19-04

For Special Olympics Maryland athlete Brandan Ehrmantraut, playing sports used to be an aspiration.

"I never thought that I would play sports at all because of my learning disability," Brandan said. 

He's not only overcome his disability to perform on the field, Brandan is pursuing a new dream - becoming a sports broadcaster.

He's already interviewed Orioles' outfielder Adam Jones and University of Maryland sportscaster Johnny Holiday. Tuesday he caught up with Steve Smith Sr. following the Ravens practice at the castle.

"I got my chance of a lifetime and now I'm getting a chance to interview Steve Smith Sr.," he said.

Brandan asked Smith about his game and what motivates him. He even had a bit of advice for the wide receiver who's coming off a season ending injury. 

"Believe and you can achieve," Brandan quoted from Tupac.

Smith was surprised to hear the Tupac reference, but Brandan quickly explained his first love was music. 

"Before I got into sports," he said. "I was into music. I was a rapper."

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Now the 22-year-old from Prince Frederick is committed to his passion for sports. During practice, he broke down each play for everyone around him. He said the most exciting part was just being on the field.

"It's been great," Brandan said. "It's pretty nice, I just love the football field, just being on a football field. I would love to just throw a pass." 

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