Baltimore Ravens
On the 6th of November 1995, Art Modell announced his intention to move the Cleveland Browns franchise to Baltimore. The announcement sent shockwaves through the city of Cleveland and ignited a legal battle that would reshape the NFL landscape. Modell had been struggling financially and clashed with Cleveland officials over stadium improvements. The league eventually reached a settlement on the 8th of February 1996, which allowed Modell to take his players and staff to Baltimore while leaving the team's history, colors, and records in Cleveland for a new expansion team. This unique arrangement meant the Ravens began as an expansion franchise despite inheriting most of the Browns' personnel. Steve Bisciotti later became the majority owner in 2004 after purchasing the remaining 51% stake from Modell for $325 million. By 2023, the franchise was valued at $4.63 billion, making it the 28th-most valuable sports franchise globally.
The 2000 season marked a turning point when the Ravens established themselves as one of the greatest defenses in NFL history. They held opposing teams to just 165 total points, breaking the previous record set by the 1986 Chicago Bears. Ray Lewis won Defensive Player of the Year honors, while teammates Sam Adams and Rod Woodson made the Pro Bowl. The defense forced five turnovers in Super Bowl XXXV against the New York Giants, including a touchdown return by Duane Starks off a Kerry Collins interception. Despite offensive struggles that saw the team go five games without scoring an offensive touchdown, the unit carried them to a 12, 4 record and their first playoff appearance. The 2000 Ravens remain in discussions alongside the 1985 Chicago Bears as one of the league's greatest defensive units ever assembled.
Baltimore claimed its first championship on the 27th of January 2001, defeating the New York Giants 34, 7 in Super Bowl XXXV at Raymond James Stadium. The game featured four sacks and five forced turnovers, with Jermaine Lewis returning a kickoff for a touchdown immediately after Ron Dixon returned a kickoff for a score. Twelve years later, the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII on the 3rd of February 2013, beating the San Francisco 49ers 34, 31 in what became known as the Blackout Bowl due to a 34-minute power outage in the Superdome. Joe Flacco completed 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and three touchdowns to earn MVP honors. The victory capped a season where the team finished 10, 6 and defeated the Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots en route to the title.
Ted Marchibroda served as the inaugural head coach from 1996 through 1998 before being fired following three consecutive losing seasons. Brian Billick took over in 1999 and led the team to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one in 2000 before departing after a 5, 11 finish in 2007. John Harbaugh arrived in 2008 as the special teams coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and has since become the longest-tenured head coach with 172 wins across 18 seasons. He guided the franchise to another championship in 2012 and multiple division titles. In January 2026, Jesse Minter was hired as the fourth head coach in franchise history after serving on the Ravens staff from 2017 to 2020 and previously working as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 2018 NFL draft saw Baltimore select Lamar Jackson with the 32nd overall pick. After starting the season 4, 5, Jackson took over as quarterback when Joe Flacco suffered a hip injury. The team won six of their next seven games to finish 10, 6 and claim the AFC North title. In 2019, Jackson became only the second player in league history to rush for over 1,000 yards from the quarterback position, breaking Michael Vick's single-season record of 1,037 yards. That same year, the Ravens set an NFL record with 3,296 rushing yards during the regular season. Jackson was unanimously voted AP NFL MVP, becoming only the second player ever to receive that honor after Tom Brady in 2010. His dual-threat style transformed the offense into a record-breaking rushing attack while maintaining elite passing efficiency.
The name Ravens emerged from a fan contest drawing 33,288 voters who chose the moniker inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem The Raven. Poe spent his early career in Baltimore and is buried there, creating a deep cultural connection between the city and its new franchise. Other names considered included Marauders, Americans, and Bombers. The team faces intense divisional rivalries, particularly against the Pittsburgh Steelers, separated by less than five hours along Interstate 70. The series stands at 33, 25 in favor of Pittsburgh as of the end of the 2024 season. Games often come down to under four points in recent years. The rivalry with the Cleveland Browns began when the Browns resumed operations in 1999 after suspending play for three seasons following Modell's move. The Ravens hold a 37, 15 series lead over the Browns through 2024.
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Common questions
When did the Baltimore Ravens franchise officially begin operations?
The Baltimore Ravens began play in 1996 after Art Modell announced his intention to move the Cleveland Browns franchise on the 6th of November 1995. The league reached a settlement on the 8th of February 1996 that allowed Modell to take players and staff to Baltimore while leaving history and records in Cleveland.
Who is the current head coach of the Baltimore Ravens as of January 2026?
Jesse Minter was hired as the fourth head coach in franchise history in January 2026 after serving on the Ravens staff from 2017 to 2020. He previously worked as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers before taking over the role.
What year did the Baltimore Ravens win their first Super Bowl championship?
Baltimore claimed its first championship on the 27th of January 2001 by defeating the New York Giants 34, 7 in Super Bowl XXXV at Raymond James Stadium. The team won again twelve years later on the 3rd of February 2013 when they beat the San Francisco 49ers 34, 31 in Super Bowl XLVII.
How many rushing yards did the Baltimore Ravens record during the 2019 regular season?
The Baltimore Ravens set an NFL record with 3,296 rushing yards during the 2019 regular season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson became only the second player in league history to rush for over 1,000 yards from the quarterback position that same year.
Who purchased a majority stake in the Baltimore Ravens and when did the transaction occur?
Steve Bisciotti became the majority owner in 2004 after purchasing the remaining 51% stake from Art Modell for $325 million. By 2023, the franchise was valued at $4.63 billion making it the 28th-most valuable sports franchise globally.
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- 24newsAngelos wants a football team, nobody laughsMichael Olesker — May 10, 1994
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- 29newsNice Seeing You, SeahawksMike Downey — February 14, 1996
- 31newsTed Marchibroda, coach of both Baltimore NFL teams, dies at 84January 17, 2016
- 32webRavens' 1996 draft class ranked as best in last 25 yearsNathan Beaucage — USA Today — April 21, 2018
- 33webRaves Fire MarchibrodaDecember 28, 1998
- 34webRavens Hire Billick As New CoachJanuary 19, 1999
- 37webComparing the 1985 Chicago Bears and 2000 Baltimore Ravens defensesPaul Banks — USA Today — May 13, 2024
- 38webJust how crazy good was the 1985 Chicago Bears defense?June 28, 2016
- 42web'It was a different time': 2000 Ravens were one of the last teams of its kindJeff Zrebiec — February 4, 2021
- 47web2003 Awards Voting
- 50webVinatieri kicks Colts past Ravens, into AFC title gameDavid Ginsburg — June 4, 2018
- 52webRavens go for total change as Billick, staff firedDecember 31, 2007
- 53webRavens hire Harbaugh as new head coachJanuary 19, 2008
- 54webOn this day in 2008, Ravens open season with new coach and new quarterbackLindsey Ok — USA Today — September 7, 2017
- 66webRavens' playoff lament: On the road againJanuary 5, 2011
- 67webBaltimore Ravens Suffer Heartbreaking 23–20 Loss to New England PatriotsJames Reagan — January 23, 2012
- 68webWitnesses: Suggs was hurt playing basketballAdam Schefter — June 5, 2012
- 71webJustin Tucker's 27-yard-field goal gives Ravens 31–30 win over PatriotsJeff Zrebiec — September 24, 2012
- 74webNFL Playoffs: Ravens beat Colts 24–9January 6, 2013
- 75webFrozen jerseys and an answered prayer: Oral history of the 'Mile High Miracle' 10 years laterJeff Zrebiec et al. — January 11, 2023
- 76webWeird, wild Ravens are ready to shake up the Super BowlBill Plaschke — January 20, 2013
- 77webPower Fails and 49ers Surge, but Ravens WinFebruary 4, 2013
- 78webRavens survive 49ers comeback and power failure to win Super BowlFebruary 4, 2013
- 79webPlanned safety makes it 34–31 RavensJon Benne — February 3, 2013
- 81webRavens QB Joe Flacco is Super Bowl MVPHoward Fendrich — February 4, 2013
- 82webRay Lewis' value at LB virtually unmatchedJanuary 2, 2013
- 85webRavens hire Kubiak as offensive coordinatorJamison Hensley — January 27, 2014
- 86webNFL suspends Ravens RB Rice for 2 gamesAdam Schefter et al. — July 24, 2014
- 87magazineRay Rice has been released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely by the NFLSeptember 8, 2014
- 89webRavens return to the playoffs with win plus Chiefs victory over ChargersJason Butt — December 28, 2014
- 90webBaltimore Ravens upend Pittsburgh Steelers 30–17 in AFC wild cardJanuary 4, 2015
- 91webBrady throws 3 TD passes, Patriots beat Ravens 35–31January 11, 2015
- 92webRavens Unveil Special 20th Anniv. Logo For 2015 SeasonApril 23, 2015
- 94webSteelers eliminate Ravens from playoff hunt with 31–27 comeback winDecember 26, 2016
- 97webRavens allow last-minute TD on 4th down, miss playoffs with 31–27 loss to BengalsJeff Zrebiec — December 31, 2017
- 98webRavens trade up to take Lamar Jackson at No. 32Chris Wesseling — April 26, 2018
- 101webRavens general manager Ozzie Newsome to step down following the 2018 seasonJohn Breech — February 2, 2018
- 102web'Taunton is my backbone': DeCosta named general manager of Baltimore RavensSteve Sanchez — March 23, 2019
- 103webBroncos trade for Ravens QB Joe FlaccoHerbie Teope — February 13, 2019
- 105newsRavens Tie NFL Record With 12 Pro BowlersClifton Brown — NFL Enterprises, LLC — December 17, 2019
- 106webDespite lacking star power, Ravens beat Steelers 28–10Associated Press
- 107newsLate for Work 12/30: Ravens Finish Regular Season in Style vs. SteelersJoe Schiller — NFL Enterprises, LLC — December 30, 2019
- 109webLamar Jackson's Second MVP Puts Him in Historic CompanyClifton Brown — February 9, 2024
- 114webRavens' record 24-game preseason winning streak ended by CommandersGrant Gordon — August 22, 2023
- 115webRavens kicker Justin Tucker sets NFL record with 66-yard FG to beat LionsJeremy Bergman — September 26, 2021
- 116webRavens' streak of 100-yard rushing games comes to end in thrilling OT winGrant Gordon — October 12, 2021
- 121web'Still not completely over it:' Ravens hope to learn from 2019 postseason flopJamison Hensley — January 10, 2024
- 122web'Hungry' Lamar powers Ravens' second-half surgeJamison Hensley — January 21, 2024
- 123webChiefs head to fourth Super Bowl in 5 years with win vs. RavensNate Taylor et al. — January 28, 2024
- 124webLate for Work: Ravens Have the NFL's Most 'Dangerous' OffenseKyle Phoenix — The Baltimore Ravens
- 127webJosh Allen scores 2 TDs, Bills force 3 turnovers to beat Ravens 27-25 and reach AFC title gameJohn Wawrow — 2025-01-20
- 128webRavens fire head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasonsJeff Zrebiec
- 129newsJesse Minter Set to Become Ravens' Next Head CoachJanuary 22, 2026
- 131webTop NFL Rivalries of All TimeMay 5, 2017
- 136webRavens players dance on Titans' logo after fourth-quarter INTKevin Patra — January 10, 2021
- 137webJohn Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel exchange words after Titans gather at Ravens logoAdam Maya — November 22, 2020
- 139webFacing Josh Allen Helped The Chiefs Prepare For Ravens' Lamar JacksonJeff Fedotin — January 25, 2024
- 141webAs Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen renew MVP rivalry, their real competition remains the ChiefsAndrew Greif — 2025-09-07
- 142webAre The Ravens and Redskins Really Rivals?June 30, 2017
- 143magazineCommanders' Sale Spawns Rivalry With Ravens?Connor Zimmerlee — July 21, 2023
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- 147webBaltimore Ravens' preseason win streak ends vs. Washington CommandersChris Bumbaca — August 22, 2023
- 149newsLogo artist files copyright lawsuits against Ravens, NFLLorraine Mirabella — July 2, 2012
- 151webThe Strange Story of "The Modell Bowl"February 18, 2014
- 152webEvolution Of The Ravens UniformNFL Enterprises, LLC
- 153webBack in blackJune 10, 2010
- 154webRavens Alternate Black Jerseys for 2010 AnnouncedDecember 12, 2010
- 155webRavens Wearing Gold Pants, Purple Jerseys SundayGarrett Downing — NFL Enterprises, LLC — December 20, 2015
- 156webWhat was up with those gold-tinged Ravens pants?Marc Sessler — December 22, 2015
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- 159newsRavens Reveal New Alternate HelmetClifton Brown — June 18, 2024
- 160webRavens reveal new alternate 'Purple Rising' helmetNick Shook — June 18, 2024
- 161webDon't adjust your TV set: Ravens unveil purple pants for game vs. BengalsC.J. Doon — September 13, 2018
- 162webRavens to wear rare uniform combination they've never lost in for showdown with DolphinsJohn Breech — December 18, 2023
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- 165webRetired jersey numbers for all 32 NFL teamsDane Beavers — March 18, 2016
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- 179webTodd Heap Going Into Ravens Ring of HonorGarrett Downing — May 14, 2014
- 180webEd Reed gets emotional at Ravens' ring of honor inductionNovember 22, 2015
- 181webBrian Billick, Haloti Ngata Going Into Ravens' Ring of HonorMay 29, 2019
- 182webA Physical Freak and Gentle Giant, Haloti Ngata Emotional About Ring of Honor InductionRyan Mink — October 11, 2021
- 183webMarshal Yanda to Join Ring of Honor on Dec. 4Clifton Brown — September 13, 2022
- 184webTerrell Suggs to Join Ring of HonorClifton Brown — August 24, 2023
- 185webRavens' 1996 draft class recognized as the last great one in NFL historyJamison Hensley — April 7, 2017