ONE
In 1984, Bob Irsay - then-owner of the Baltimore Colts - moved the franchise to Indianapolis, and professional football didn’t return to Baltimore until 1996, thanks to another controversial relocation. Owner of the Cleveland Browns, Art Modell, announced his intention to move the team to Baltimore in 1995. However, he soon came to an agreement with the city of Cleveland that meant the Browns’ team colours, history, and records were to remain there, but the players and personnel would be allowed to travel with Modell to Baltimore. After a poll, the name ‘Ravens’ was officially chosen. Primed to play at Memorial Stadium, the team soon hired Ted Marchibroda as the first head coach in franchise history.
Baltimore Ravens Logo
TWO
With the first two draft picks in franchise history, the Baltimore Ravens selected two future Pro Football Hall of Famers. Offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden became one of the most outstanding linemen in NFL history, while Ray Lewis, an eventual two-time Defensive Player of the Year, became widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers of all time. That said, the Ravens’ debut season in 1996 saw them end the year with just four wins. Legendary defensive back Rod Woodson joined Baltimore for the 1998 season, and the team moved into their new home, Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards. Ted Marchibroda was replaced by Brian Billick to start the 1999 season, in which Baltimore finished 8-8.
Ray Lewis, Linebacker 1996-2012
THREE
Future Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe joined the Ravens ahead of the 2000 season - helping the team to win five of their first six games that year. After a midseason slump and the introduction of Trent Dilfer at quarterback, Baltimore reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. However, their success is commonly attributed to their defense - considered one of the greatest of all time. The Ravens allowed just 165 points all regular season, an NFL record, with their domination continuing in the playoffs - as they reached Super Bowl XXXV. There, Baltimore embarrassed the New York Giants, who didn’t score a single offensive point. Ray Lewis was named Super Bowl MVP following his team’s 34-7 victory.
Shannon Sharpe, Tight End 2000-2001
FOUR
After an injury caused running back Jamal Lewis to miss the entire 2001 season, Baltimore were unable to defend their Super Bowl crown - losing in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. The Ravens drafted safety Ed Reed in the 2002 NFL Draft, but Baltimore only made the playoffs twice in the next six seasons. Lewis rushed for 2,066 yards in the 2003 season, which, at the time, was the second-most ever gained in a single season. Steve Bisciotti purchased the team outright in 2004 - prompting a decision to move off of Brian Billick following a 5-11 2007 season.
Ed Reed, Safety 2002-2012
FIVE
The Ravens had rookies at two important positions to start the 2008 season. John Harbaugh was a first-year head coach, and starting quarterback Joe Flacco was selected in that year’s draft. Despite their inexperience, the season still proved to be a success - with an 11-5 regular season record. Baltimore advanced all the way to the AFC Championship Game - however, eventually lost 23-14 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Under Harbaugh, Baltimore became perennial playoff contenders - appearing in the AFC Championship Game twice in his first four seasons in charge. However, many were unsure if Flacco was the man to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl.
John Harbaugh, Head Coach 2008-Present
SIX
Despite Joe Flacco’s eyebrow-raising claims that he was the NFL’s best quarterback, his 2012 season was far from elite. That said, the Ravens still made the playoffs with a 10-6 record. Baltimore defeated the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card Round, and, in the following round, travelled to Denver to face the Broncos - where a last-gasp, 70-yard Flacco touchdown pass sent the game to overtime, where the Ravens eventually won. After defeating the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, Baltimore faced the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII, who were coached by none other than Jim Harbaugh - brother of Baltimore head coach John. Even with a 30-minute stoppage thanks to a power outage, the Ravens won the ‘Har-Bowl’, 34-31. Flacco was named the game’s MVP, and Ray Lewis - the franchise’s greatest-ever player - retired from the NFL.
Joe Flacco, Quarterback 2008-2018
SEVEN
On March 1st 2013, Joe Flacco became the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history - signing a six-year, $120.6 million contract. However, the defending Super Bowl champions missed the playoffs. They bounced back the following year, but lost in the Divisional Round against New England, 35-31. Baltimore didn’t make the playoffs in the next three seasons and held two picks in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft - using one to select tight end Hayden Hurst and the other to select quarterback Lamar Jackson. Due to his incredible athleticism, some suggested that Jackson play wide receiver in the NFL - but he was adamant he was a quarterback. So when the struggling Flacco was injured in Week 9 of the 2018 season, Jackson finally got his chance. His exhilarating running ability helped the Ravens win six of their last seven games and secure an unlikely playoff berth.
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback 2018-Present
EIGHT
Despite Baltimore’s loss at the hands of the Chargers, Jim Harbaugh had seen enough. Flacco was traded to the Denver Broncos in February 2019, and Baltimore completely revamped their offense to fit Jackson’s style. The change paid off, as the Ravens won a franchise-record 14 games, and Jackson - after rushing for a quarterback-record 1,206 yards - was named NFL MVP. Baltimore faced the Tennessee Titans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, but lost 28-12. The Ravens got their revenge over the Titans the following season, defeating them 20-13 in the Wild Card Round, but Baltimore’s 2020 season came to an end at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round.
Lamar Jackson, Quarterback 2018-Present
NINE
Injury cut Jackson’s 2022 season short, but Harbaugh still coached his Baltimore team - featuring tight end Mark Andrews and linebacker Roquan Smith - to a 10-7 record and a Wild Card Round matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. After days of speculation, Jackson was officially ruled out of the playoff game, which the Ravens lost 17-24, and as the quarterback’s contract lapsed at the end of the season, rumours swirled about a possible departure. However, Jackson eventually signed a five-year, $260 million contract ahead of the 2023 season. The Ravens then went on an excellent run - with Jackson winning his second MVP - before losing to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. Attempting to return to the Super Bowl for the first time in over a decade, Baltimore acquired one of the league’s best running backs in Derrick Henry - pairing him with Lamar Jackson to complete one of the league’s most dynamic offenses.
BEFORE YOU GO
The Ravens are named after the famous poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe, who spent part of his life in Baltimore before being buried there. The name was chosen through a fan contest.
The Ravens have a feisty rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, characterised by hard-hitting, physical games that are often closely contested.
According to Forbes, the Baltimore Ravens net worth is estimated to be $4.63 billion as of 2023.
