Established
1996
City
Baltimore
League History
1996 – Present / National Football League
Team History
1996 - Present / Baltimore Ravens
Nickname
Ravens - The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL since their inception in 1996. The team has won two Super Bowls and established itself as a perennial playoff contender. But what many fans may not know is that the Ravens' nickname has an interesting origin story.
Baltimore Ravens Origin
In 1995, when Art Modell announced he was relocating his Cleveland Browns franchise to Baltimore, Maryland, it created a firestorm of controversy among football fans across America. In response to this outcry from Brown's loyalists, Modell wanted to honor them by giving his new team a name that paid homage to its predecessor - thus leading him toward "Ravens."
He chose this moniker because Edgar Allan Poe wrote “The Raven” while living in Baltimore during 1845-1849 and considered it one of his greatest works; additionally, "Raven" also refers directly back to Cleveland's original mascot: The Brown's logo featured an orange helmet with three raven feathers on each side for decades before being replaced by another design after they moved away from Ohio in 1996
As such, when looking at all aspects involved – including history & literary references – there are few sports nicknames more fitting than ‘Ravens’ for any NFL franchise located within Maryland state lines!
Championship
Super Bowl 2
2013, 2001
Stadium
2003 - Present / M&T Bank Stadium
2002 - 2003 / Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards
1999 - 2002 / PSINet Stadium
1998 - 1999 / Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards
1996 - 1997 / Memorial Stadium
Owner
2004 - Present / Steve Bisciotti
1996 - 2004 / Art Modell
- 1996
- 1998
- 2000
- 2000
- 2012
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The 1996 Baltimore Ravens Team Formation: A New Era
The Birth of a Powerhouse: The 1996 Baltimore Ravens Team Formation In the grand scope of NFL history, few events were as transformative for a city as the 1996 Baltimore Ravens team formation. After the local fan base spent thirteen years without an NFL franchise following the Colts’ departure, professional football finally returned to Maryland. This inaugural season was more ... -
M&T Bank Stadium: The 1998 Home of the Baltimore Ravens
The Crown Jewel of Camden Yards: The 1998 M&T Bank Stadium Opening In the history of NFL history, the year 1998 marked a permanent turning point for football in Maryland. After playing their first two seasons at the aging Memorial Stadium, the 1998 M&T Bank Stadium opening provided the Baltimore Ravens with a world-class, purpose-built home. Located in the heart ... -
Steve Bisciotti and the Baltimore Ravens Ownership History
A New Era of Stability: The Steve Bisciotti Baltimore Ravens Ownership History In the landscape of NFL history, the transition of power within a franchise can often be turbulent. However, the Steve Bisciotti Baltimore Ravens ownership history stands as a model of strategic planning and financial stability. Following the team’s move from Cleveland, original owner Art Modell faced mounting financial ... -
2000 Baltimore Ravens Season: The Best Defensive Super Bowl
The Masterpiece of Mayhem: The 2000 Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Season In the long chronicle of NFL history, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens season stands as the definitive benchmark for defensive dominance. While many teams rely on high-flying offenses to reach the summit, the Ravens carved their path to glory with a “hit-first” mentality that paralyzed opponents. This legendary campaign culminated ... -
2012 Baltimore Ravens Season: Super Bowl XLVII Champions
The Ride of a Lifetime: The 2012 Baltimore Ravens Season In the chronicles of NFL history, few storylines are as cinematic as the 2012 Baltimore Ravens season. This campaign was fueled by emotion, beginning with the passing of team founder Art Modell and ending with the retirement of legendary linebacker Ray Lewis. Despite a mid-season coaching change at offensive coordinator, ...
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* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Baltimore Ravens Team History
Uncover the astonishing journey of Lamar Jackson in the video "Lamar Jackson's SHOCKING Player History Revealed!" This in-depth exploration takes you through the ups and downs of Jackson’s career, from his early days as a high school standout to becoming a Heisman Trophy winner at Louisville and ultimately an NFL MVP with the Baltimore Ravens.
Baltimore Ravens History
The Baltimore Ravens history highlights one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. Home to legends like Ray Lewis, the Ravens have won two Super Bowls and three AFC championships. Since their founding in 1996, they’ve become a powerhouse built on physical football and elite defense. Yet, the Baltimore Ravens origin took determination and hard work before success followed.
In 1995, owner Art Modell made the bold move to relocate the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. After months of negotiations with Maryland officials and legal battles across the league, the decision was finalized. An expansion team would replace Modell’s old franchise, and the Baltimore Ravens origin officially began. The team’s birth marked a new chapter for Maryland’s largest city.
The Ravens were first led by head coach Ted Marchibroda and general manager Ozzie Newsome, the NFL’s first African-American GM. Their foundation for success was built through smart drafting and dedication. With their first pick, Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden, and the arrival of Ray Lewis, the Ravens became contenders quickly. By year two, they captured their first division title.
Baltimore Ravens Achievements
In 2000, under new coach Brian Billick, the Ravens reached their peak. That season ended with a dominant 34–7 victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Ray Lewis, the defensive leader, earned MVP honors with key tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown. This triumph became one of the greatest moments in Baltimore Ravens history.
The franchise continued to thrive in the years that followed. Since 2000, they have reached the playoffs ten times, including four straight appearances between 2008 and 2011. Their resilience paid off with another Super Bowl win in 2012 against the San Francisco 49ers. Through ups and downs, the Baltimore Ravens history reflects strength, resilience, and championship football.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history