In 1996 The Cleveland Brown owner Art Modell relocated the team to Baltimore and it became the Baltimore Ravens. In their first playoff appearance in 2000-01 the team made it to the Super Bowl. In team history they have been to the playoffs 12 times and played in two Super Bowls the Ravens won both. Their first victory was against the New York Giants and their second Super Bowl against the San Fransisco 49ers during the 2012-13 season. The Ravens do not retires jersey numbers but have 19 members in their Ring of Honor. Here is a lineup comprised of the greatest players to play for the Baltimore Ravens.
Joe Flacco’s career peak was during his Super Bowl run with the Ravens in 2012-13 (Associated Press)
The All Time leading passer in Ravens history is Joe Flacco with 38,245 yards. Flacco also has the team record in passing touchdowns with 212. That is over 30,000 yards and 160 more touchdowns than the next person on each list. He has never been to a Pro Bowl or named an All-Pro. But he did lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl and was the MVP of the game. Flacco is also known as one of the greatest postseason quarterbacks in the history of the league posting a rare 10-5 record in playoff starts. Sorry Ravens fans it is too early to put Lamar Jackson in this spot. Though last years MVP is already 4th in passing yards and touchdowns in team history. In a few years it should be a solid debate whether Flacco or Jackson deserves to be placed in this spot.
There are many who believe Jamal Lewis should have won Super Bowl MVP. Lewis ran for 102 yards and a touchdown during that game. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
Both Jamal Lewis and Ray Rice had amazing careers with the Ravens. It is hard to keep both of them off this list. Jamal Lewis is the Ravens all time leading rusher with 7,801 rushing yards. He also has the franchise record for rushing touchdowns with 45. Lewis was a part of the Ravens Super Bowl team from the 2000-01 season. He also led the league in rushing in 2003 with over 2,000 yards. That led him to his first Pro Bowl, First Team All-Pro, and Offensive Player of the Year award. The only ones of his career. Lewis is also a member of the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor.
Ray Rice is second in rushing yards and touchdowns to Lewis with 6,180 yards and 37 touchdowns. Rice was a Super Bowl Champion with the 2012-13 Super Bowl team. He also is a 3x Pro Bowler and 2x Second Team All-Pro.
The Baltimore Ravens don’t have a history of having all time great receivers. No receiver has actually made it to a Pro Bowl or has been an All-Pro for their play at wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens. But the leading receiver in franchise history is Derrick Mason with 5,777 yards. Mason also also has the most receptions (471) in franchise history and third most touchdowns (29). His Pro Bowls and All-Pro award came before his time in Baltimore.
There were a few options for the second wide receiver on this list. Mark Clayton, Steve Smith Sr., and Anquon Boldin all had solid careers with the Ravens. But the second best wide receiver in Ravens franchise history is fan favorite Torrey Smith. Smith was primarily a secondary receiver during his time in Baltimore, but he has the third most receiving yards in franchise history with 3,591 and second most touchdowns in team history with 30. Smith is a 2x Super Bowl Champion. His first came with the Ravens in 2012-13 and his second came with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017-18.
Todd Heap has a case to be the best pass catcher in the history of the Baltimore Ravens. Heap is second in Ravens history in catches (467) and receiving yards (5,492), and first in receiving touchdowns (41). He was a Pro Bowler in 2002 and 2003 and named a Second Team All-Pro in 2003. Heap is also a member of the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor. Super Bowl winners Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and Dennis Pitta are two other notable tight ends to play for the Ravens.
Arguably the two best players in the history of the franchise Johnathan Ogden and Ray Lewis were both drafted in the first round in 1996, the first draft in Ravens History
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2013
The first draft pick in the history of the Baltimore Ravens was left tackle Johnathan Ogden. The Ravens did not miss on that draft pick either because they got a Hall of Famer and one of the best left tackles in NFL History. Ogden was a part of the Ravens first Super Bowl team, a 4x First Team All-Pro, 5x Second Team All-Pro, and a Pro Bowler in 11 of his 12 seasons. The only year he was not a Pro Bowler was during his rookie year. He is a member of the 2000’s All-Decade Team, NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team, and Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor. Ogden was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
Ben Grubbs is the only player drafted by long time Ravens executive Ozzie Newsome that played for an SEC team that wasn’t Alabama. Grubbs was a Pro Bowler for the Ravens in 2011 and was a Pro Bowler again for the New Orleans Saints in 2013.
Though he did not play in Baltimore long, Matt Birk was one of the leagues best centers when he was there. Birk was an All-Pro in 2010 and a part of the Ravens second Super Bowl team. Another great center in Ravens history is Mike Flynn who played with the team from 1997-2007 and was a part of their first Super Bowl team.
There was a long period of time where Marshal Yanda was considered the best offensive lineman in football
There is no doubt that the recently retired Marshal Yanda is one of the greatest Baltimore Ravens of All Time. Yanda was an 8x Pro Bowler, 7 All-Pro, and Super Bowl Champion. He is also a member of the 2010’s All-Decade team and will soon be a member of the Ravens Ring of Honor. Yanda was considered to be the best guard in football until the end of his career. It would be surprising if he didn’t make it to the Hall of Fame on the first ballot.
There are very few cases where a player and his son could be considered the best in franchise history at their position. Both Orlando Brown and Orlando Brown Jr. played right tackle for the Baltimore Ravens. Brown Jr. is currently their right tackle and is coming off his first Pro Bowl appearance. But his father played for the Ravens for 6 years. Maybe Brown Jr. will one day over take his father on this list? Also Michael Oher spent 5 years playing right tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and was a part of their second Super Bowl team.
Trevor Pryce was in his prime during his time with the Denver Broncos. However he played extremely well during his time with the Ravens. He is 9th in team history in sacks with 26. Half of those he had in one season, 2006.
Haloti Ngata is the best interior defensive lineman to play for the Ravens. Ngata is a Super Bowl Champion, 5x Pro Bowler, and 5x All-Pro. He is third in Ravens history in quarterback hits (74), tenth in sacks (25.5), and eleventh in forced fumbles (11). Ngata will be inducted into the Ravens Ring of Honor next year.
Many might be surprised to see a young player like Brandon Williams on this list. But he has stamped his place in the Ravens record books to be here. Williams was a Pro Bowler in 2018. Other notable defensive lineman who played for the Ravens are Kelly Gregg who played for the team for 10 seasons and Tony Siragusa who was a huge contributor for the Ravens first Super Bowl team.
Terrell Suggs is one of the most intimidating players in NFL History (USATSI)
There have been many dominant edge rushers who have played for the Baltimore Ravens. It is difficult to narrow it down to the two best. Peter Boulware was drafted fourth overall by the Ravens in 1997. That year he won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He went to the Pro Bowl 4x in his career and was a Second Team All-Pro in 1999. He was a part of the Ravens Super Bowl in 2000 and led the league in sacks in 2001. Boulware is also a member of the Ravens Ring of Honor. Boulware is second in team history in sacks with 70 and has the third most forced fumbles with 14.
The Baltimore Ravens all time leading sacker is Terrell Suggs. Suggs had 132.5 sacks as a member of the Ravens. After getting drafted tenth overall by the Ravens in 2003, Suggs won Defensive Rookie of the Year. He is a 7x Pro Bowler, a Second Team All-Pro in 2008, and First Team All-Pro in 2011. Also in 2011 Suggs took home the Defensive Player of the Year award. He is currently 8th in NFL History in sacks and has the most among active players. Suggs is also a 2x Super Bowl Champion. His first came with the Ravens in 2012-13 and his second came this past year with the Kansas City Chiefs. Suggs also has the most quarterback hits in Ravens history with 191, most forced fumbles in team history with 33, and second most tackles in team history with 606. Other great edge rushers to play for the Baltimore Ravens include Adalius Thomas, Elvis Dumervill, Matthew Judon, and Ravens Ring of Honor member Michael McCrary.
Ray Lewis’ retirement tour helped fuel the Ravens to their second Super Bowl victory. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2018 (Lewis)
Some people consider Ray Lewis the greatest linebacker to ever play football. He was also drafted the during the Ravens inaugural season. Lewis was a 13x Pro Bowler, 10x All-Pro (7x First Team All-Pro), 2x Defensive Player of the Year. He was a part of both Ravens Super Bowl wins and was the MVP for the first one. Lewis is a part of the 2000’s All-Decade Team, NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team, and Ravens Ring of Honor. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 during his first year of eligibility. Lewis is the Ravens all time leading tackler with 1,586 solo tackles. He also has the most tackles in league history since 1994. He also has the second most forced fumbles in team history with 19, second most tackles for loss with 99, second most interceptions with 31, third most passes defended with 96, and fourth most sacks with 41.5.
C.J. Mosley was drafted in 2014 to fill the void left by Lewis and he did not disappoint. Mosley was a 4x Pro Bowler and Second Team All-Pro during his time in Baltimore. The only year he was not either was 2015. He had the sixth most tackles in team history (387), ninth most tackles for loss (43), and the ninth most interceptions (9). Bart Scott also had a great career with the Baltimore Ravens.
Duane Starks was an interception machine when he played for the Ravens. In only 4 years with the team he racked up 20 interceptions which is 5th in Ravens History. He is seventh in team history in passes defended with 56 and tied for tenth in team history in forced fumbles with 6. Starks was a part of the 2000-01 Super Bowl team.
Chris McCallister has had the best career for a Ravens cornerback so far. McCallister was a 3x Pro Bowler, First Team All-Pro in 2003, and Second Team All-Pro in 2004. He has the most passes defended in team history with 138, tied for the second most pick sixes with 5, and third most interceptions in team history with 26. McCallister was also a part of the Ravens first Super Bowl team.
Marlon Humphrey has only been in the league a short period of time, but he is already become one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. This past season Humphrey finally got recognition as such, going to his first Pro Bowl and being named a First Team All-pro. This might seem premature considering his age, but Humphrey has a chance to solidify his position as one of the best cornerbacks in Ravens history. Jimmy Smith, Ladarius Webb, and mid-season addition Marcus Peters are also great cornerbacks to play for the Ravens.
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2009
Though Rod Woodson is remembered by most as an all time great Steeler, he won his only Super Bowl with the Ravens. Woodson was a 3x Pro Bowler with the Ravens and led the league in interceptions in 1999. He is a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team, 100th Anniversary Team, and 1990’s All-Decade Team. Woodson is tied for the second most pick sixes in Ravens history with 5 and has the fourth most interceptions with 20. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Not many players were more excited after a Super Bowl win than Ed Reed. That win stamped Ed Reed’s place as one of the greatest safeties of all time.
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2019
The ceiling that every NFL safety tries to reach during their career is Ed Reed. There are few better than Reed. He is a 9x Pro Bowler, 8x All-Pro, and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. Reed has led the league in interceptions on three separate occasions. He is a member of the 2000’s All-Decade Team, NFL’s 100th Anniversary Team, and Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor. He was a part of the Ravens Super Bowl team in 2012 and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2019. Reed is the franchise leader in interceptions (61) and pick sixes (7). He is second in team history in passes defended with 11 and fumbles returned for touchdowns with 2. Reed also has the third most tackles (507) and fourteenth most tackles for loss (32) in Ravens history. He also holds the records for most interception return yards ever with 1,590 and longest interception return with 107 yards. Reed has the seventh most interceptions in league history with 64.
Eric Weddle might go down as an all time great Charger, but his time in Baltimore was nothing short but great. During his time with the Ravens he was a 3x Pro Bowler and had 10 interceptions which is good for 8th in team history. Weddle is also a member of the 2010’s All-Decade Team.
Justin Tucker is on pace to be one of the few kickers to reach the Hall of Fame (Tommy Gilligan, Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
Justin Tucker may not be the all time leading scorer in Ravens history yet, but he has been the best kicker in the NFL for some a while now. Tucker won a Super Bowl in his rookie year, went to 3 Pro Bowls, and has been named an All-Pro 5x (4x First Team All-Pro). He is lethal from seemingly anywhere on the field. Tucker is the quickest kicker in NFL history to 1,000 points and has for the most seasons with 30+ field goals with 6. Currently Tucker is the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
Sam Kock is the franchise leader in punting yards with 47,451 yards. There also has never been another punter in Ravens history to come close to the 224 career games he has had with the team. Koch was voted to the Pro Bowl and named a Second Team All-Pro in 2015. He was a member of the Ravens second Super Bowl winning team.
Jermaine Lewis is the Baltimore Ravens all time leader in all purpose yards. He is a 2x Pro Bowler, a First Team All-Pro in 1998, and Second Team All-Pro in 2001. Lewis was a member of the 2000-01 Super Bowl team and led the league in punt return yards in 2001. Ravens fan favorite Jacoby Jones was crucial to the Ravens Super Bowl run in 2012 catching the game winning touchdown in the AFC Divisional Round and returning the halftime kickoff for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. That was the longest play in Super Bowl History. Jones was a Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro in 2012 as a returner.
John Harbaugh defeated his brother Jim who was coaching the San Fransisco 49ers at the time to give the Baltimore Ravens their second Super Bowl victory.
This came down to Brian Billick and John Harbaugh for the best head coach in Baltimore Ravens History. Billick won the Super Bowl in his second season in 2000, has the second most wins in franchise history with 80, and his in the Ravens Ring of Honor. But Harbaugh gets the nod because he also won a Super Bowl in 2012-13, has the most wins in franchise history with 118, and was coach of the year this past season. There was a point where the Ravens felt like Harbaugh’s message was getting stale, but they decided to stick with him and now the Ravens are back in the Super Bowl hunt.
