Baltimore Ravens

American Football

The Baltimore Ravens, owned by Steve Bisciotti since 2004, are a successful NFL franchise known for strong management and consistent on-field performance.

Founded

1996

Sport

American Football

Countries

United States

Owner

Steve Bisciotti

Summary

The Baltimore Ravens are a professional NFL team based in Baltimore, Maryland, competing in the AFC North division. Established in 1996 following the relocation of the Cleveland Browns franchise, the Ravens retained the personnel but started as a new team historically. They play home games at M&T Bank Stadium and are owned by Steve Bisciotti since 2004. The franchise is noted for its consistent success, boasting one of the highest regular-season winning percentages among active NFL teams. They have won two Super Bowl titles (XXXV and XLVII), multiple AFC North division championships, and made frequent playoff appearances.

The team’s name pays homage to Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem "The Raven," reflecting Baltimore’s literary heritage. Since their inception, the Ravens have been known for strong defensive play, highlighted by legendary players such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Jonathan Ogden, all Hall of Famers. The franchise has had three head coaches, currently led by John Harbaugh since 2008, and is known for its strategic management under former general manager Ozzie Newsome and his successor Eric DeCosta.

Baltimore’s history is marked by a dominant defense, including the record-setting 2000 team that allowed the fewest points in a 16-game season, and the organization’s hallmark toughness and resilience. The Ravens have developed a heated rivalry with divisional foes like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns, making AFC North matchups highly competitive.

Under quarterback Lamar Jackson since 2018, the Ravens have revitalized their offense, setting records for rushing yards by a quarterback and achieving franchise-best regular-season records. Lamar Jackson’s dynamic play earned him the NFL MVP award in 2019. The team continues to pursue excellence with a strong roster, including key players on offense, defense, and special teams, and maintains its reputation as a formidable and well-managed NFL franchise.

History

The Baltimore Ravens were established in 1996 following the controversial relocation of the Cleveland Browns franchise. When Browns owner Art Modell announced his intention to move the team to Baltimore, the NFL reached a settlement allowing the Browns’ name, history, and records to remain in Cleveland, while Modell’s personnel formed an expansion team in Baltimore. This new franchise was named the Ravens, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, reflecting Baltimore’s cultural heritage.

In their early years, the Ravens focused on building a strong defensive identity. The 1996 NFL Draft was pivotal, as they selected future Hall of Famers Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis, who became cornerstones of the franchise. The team struggled initially but quickly gained respect for its tough defense and competitive spirit.

Under head coach Brian Billick, the Ravens reached their first peak in 2000, winning Super Bowl XXXV behind a historically dominant defense that set an NFL record for fewest points allowed in a 16-game season. This defense featured stars like Ray Lewis, Rod Woodson, and Sam Adams, and it became a defining era for the franchise.

Following a period of ups and downs, John Harbaugh was hired as head coach in 2008, ushering in a new era of success. With quarterback Joe Flacco leading the offense, the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII in the 2012 season, a memorable game famously interrupted by a power outage. Flacco earned Super Bowl MVP honors, solidifying the team’s place among the NFL elite.

The Ravens have maintained a competitive presence through consistent playoff appearances, often defined by their strong defense and physical style of play. In 2018, the drafting of quarterback Lamar Jackson marked a new chapter. Jackson’s dynamic, dual-threat style transformed the team’s offense and led to a franchise-best 14–2 season in 2019, earning him the league MVP award.

Throughout their history, the Ravens have been known for tough divisional rivalries, particularly with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and have built a reputation as a well-managed, resilient franchise focused on defense and strategic player development. The team continues to compete at a high level, blending a proud defensive tradition with an evolving, innovative offense.

Ownership

The Baltimore Ravens are owned by Steve Bisciotti, who became the majority owner in 2004. Bisciotti initially purchased a minority stake in the team in 2000 before acquiring full ownership from the original owner, Art Modell. Under Bisciotti’s leadership, the franchise has continued to grow in value and success, becoming one of the most respected and competitive teams in the NFL. The Ravens are valued at several billion dollars, reflecting their strong market presence, consistent on-field performance, and solid organizational management. Bisciotti’s ownership has been marked by stability and a focus on building a winning culture both on and off the field.

Award

Domestic

Super Bowl Championships: 2 times