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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1996 Baltimore Ravens Team Formation
The 1996 Baltimore Ravens season was the franchise’s inaugural season in the National Football League (NFL) and at their home stadium, Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore remained without an NFL football franchise for 13 years after the Baltimore Colts relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1996, however, the NFL approved Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell’s proposal to relocate the franchise ... -
M&T Bank Stadium
M&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Often referred to as “The Bank”, M&T Bank Stadium officially opened in 1998 and is currently one of ... -
New Ownership Steve Bisciotti
Due to continual financial hardships, the NFL directed Modell to initiate the sale of his franchise. On March 27, 2000, NFL owners approved the sale of 49% of the Ravens to Steve Bisciotti. In the deal, Bisciotti had an option to purchase the remaining 51% for $325 million in 2004 from Art Modell. On April 9, 2004, the NFL approved ... -
Super Bowl Winner 2000
Super Bowl XXXV – 2000 Super Bowl XXXV was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Baltimore Ravens and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion New York Giants to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2000 season. The Ravens defeated the Giants by the score of 34–7. The game was played on January ... -
Super Bowl Winners 2012
Super Bowl XLVII – 2012 Super Bowl XLVII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Baltimore Ravens and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion San Francisco 49ers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2012 season. The Ravens defeated the 49ers by the score of 34–31, handing the 49ers their first Super ...
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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.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
