NFL Team by Team Guide: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens franchise was established in 1996 when Art Modell, the owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced he was moving the franchise. In a deal made with the league and Cleveland, Modell agreed to leave behind the Browns’ history, records, and name. In return, he was able to start the Ravens franchise in Baltimore.
Baltimore has been one of the more successful franchises in NFL history since 2000. The Ravens have been to the postseason 12 times since 2000 and have won two Super Bowls (XXXV and XLVII).
The Ravens’ recent success has led to several appearances on prime time telecasts like Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football. Fans can watch regional telecasts on CBS and on FOX Sports when playing an NFC team on the road. Fans can watch the Ravens complete schedule using a live streaming service like fuboTV or HULU.
Home of the Ravens
The Ravens began play in the old Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. They played there for just two seasons (1996-97) before moving into their current home, M&T Bank Stadium. The new stadium opened in 1998 and seats 71,000 fans for Ravens’ home games.
Championship History
The Ravens’ championship history is long and deep. As mentioned the Ravens have been to the NFL playoffs 12 times since 2000 (2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2018, and 2019).
Baltimore has won six AFC North Division titles (2003, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2018, and 2019). The Ravens won conference championships in 2000 and 2012, the same years in which they won Super Bowls.
Best of the Ravens
The Ravens have always been known for their aggressiveness and toughness on defense. Much of that can be traced back to LB Ray Lewis who was selected in the first round of the 1996 draft. Lewis would go on to play his entire 17-year NFL career with Baltimore. In those 17 years, Lewis was a 13-time Pro Bowl pick. He made 10 All-Pro teams and twice won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Lewis led Baltimore to two Super Bowl victories and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV. He was selected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
In addition to Lewis, OT Jonathan Ogden was selected in the first round of the 1996 draft. Ogden would anchor an offense that led the Ravens to Super Bowl XXXV. In all but his rookie year, Ogden was selected to the Pro Bowl (11 times). He was a nine-time All-Pro, a member of the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, and is in both the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame.
Ed Reed was also a first-round draft pick but in 2002. He would go on to a career where he would be selected to nine Pro Bowls. He was an All-Pro eight times and earned the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Reed led the NFL in interceptions three times and is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Author: Dan Anderson