100 Baltimore Ravens Facts: History, Records, and Legends

When you think of hard-hitting defense, incredible special teams, and a winning culture that started almost overnight, you have to think of the Baltimore Ravens. Learning these 100 Baltimore Ravens facts will show you exactly why this team is one of the most respected franchises in the NFL today.

Since they first stepped onto the field in 1996, the Ravens have carved out a unique identity. They didn’t just join the league; they took it over. From Hall of Fame legends like Ray Lewis to modern-day superstars like Lamar Jackson, the “Purple and Black” have a history that feels much older than its three decades.

Whether you are a die-hard fan from “The Flock” or just someone curious about NFL history, these 100 Baltimore Ravens facts will give you everything you need to know about the team from Charm City.

The Birth of the Flock: Early History Facts

1. The Baltimore Ravens were established on February 9, 1996.
2. The team was created after owner Art Modell moved his franchise personnel from Cleveland to Baltimore.
3. Unlike most moves, the Ravens are technically considered an “expansion team” while Cleveland kept the “Browns” name and history.
4. The name “Ravens” was inspired by the poem “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe, who lived and died in Baltimore.
5. Fans actually voted for the name! Over 33,000 fans participated in a phone-in poll.
6. Other name finalists included the “Marauders” and the “Americans.”
7. The team’s first-ever game was a 19-14 win over the Oakland Raiders on September 1, 1996.
8. Their first home stadium was Memorial Stadium, the former home of the Baltimore Colts and Orioles.
9. The first touchdown in franchise history was a 9-yard run by quarterback Vinny Testaverde.
10. The Ravens’ official colors are purple, black, and metallic gold.

Legends of the Gridiron: Famous Players

11. Ray Lewis was the team’s second-ever draft pick (26th overall in 1996).
12. Jonathan Ogden was the first-ever draft pick for the Ravens (4th overall in 1996).
13. Ray Lewis is the only player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions.
14. Jonathan Ogden was an 11-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
15. Ed Reed holds the NFL record for the two longest interception returns in history (106 and 107 yards).
16. Terrell Suggs is the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks with 132.5.
17. Jamal Lewis became the fifth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season (2003).
18. Marshal Yanda is considered one of the greatest guards in NFL history, playing all 13 seasons in Baltimore.
19. Justin Tucker is the most accurate kicker in NFL history.
20. In 2021, Justin Tucker set the NFL record for the longest field goal at 66 yards.
21. Lamar Jackson was the second-ever unanimous NFL MVP in league history (2019).
22. Lamar Jackson holds the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season (1,206 yards).
23. Joe Flacco won the Super Bowl XLVII MVP after throwing 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in that postseason.
24. Haloti Ngata was a 5-time Pro Bowler known for being one of the strongest defensive tackles in the game.
25. Peter Boulware was the 1997 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Super Bowl Glory: Championship Facts

26. The Ravens have won two Super Bowl titles (Super Bowl XXXV and Super Bowl XLVII).
27. They are one of the few teams to be undefeated in multiple Super Bowl appearances.
28. Super Bowl XXXV (2000) saw the Ravens defeat the New York Giants 34-7.
29. The 2000 Ravens defense allowed only 165 total points in the regular season, a 16-game record.
30. In Super Bowl XLVII (2012), the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
31. Super Bowl XLVII is often called the “Harbaugh Bowl” because it featured brother coaches John and Jim Harbaugh.
32. The game is also famous for a 34-minute power outage that delayed the second half.
33. Jacoby Jones set a Super Bowl record with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 2012.
34. Ray Lewis retired immediately after winning his second Super Bowl in 2012.
35. The Ravens won a playoff game in each of Joe Flacco’s first five seasons.

Coaching and Leadership

36. The Ravens have only had three head coaches in their entire history.
37. Ted Marchibroda was the first head coach (1996–1998).
38. Brian Billick led the team to their first Super Bowl win (1999–2007).
39. John Harbaugh is the winningest coach in franchise history.
40. Ozzie Newsome, the team’s long-time GM, was the first African American GM in NFL history.
41. Newsome is widely regarded as one of the best “talent evaluators” ever.
42. Eric DeCosta took over as GM in 2019 after shadowing Newsome for years.
43. The team’s training facility is located in Owings Mills, Maryland, and is nicknamed “The Castle.”
44. Steve Bisciotti became the majority owner of the team in 2004.
45. Art Modell remained a minority owner until his death in 2012.

M&T Bank Stadium: The Home Turf

46. M&T Bank Stadium opened in 1998.
47. It was originally called “Ravens Stadium at Camden Yards.”
48. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 71,008.
49. There is a statue of Johnny Unitas outside the stadium, despite him playing for the Colts.
50. There is also a statue of Ray Lewis doing his famous “squirrel dance” entrance.
51. The stadium is known for its “RavensWalk,” a fan-friendly area between the ballpark and the stadium.
52. The seats in the stadium are purple, making it one of the most colorful in the league.
53. The end zones at M&T Bank Stadium often feature “BALTIMORE” in a unique font.
54. The stadium earned a LEED Gold certification for its environmental efforts.
55. Fans often scream “O!” during the national anthem, a tradition shared with the Baltimore Orioles.

Fun and Quirky Team Facts

56. The Ravens have three mascots: Rise, Conquer, and Poe.
57. Poe is named after Edgar Allan Poe.
58. Rise and Conquer are live ravens that live at the Maryland Zoo.
59. The Ravens Marching Band is one of only two professional marching bands in the NFL.
60. The band actually existed before the Ravens did; they were the Baltimore Colts’ band and stayed together for 12 years without a team.
61. The team’s official fight song is called “The Ravens Fight Song.”
62. The Ravens have a “Ring of Honor” to celebrate their greatest contributors.
63. Earnest Byner was the first person inducted into the Ring of Honor.
64. The team logo originally featured a “flying B” on a shield, but it was changed after a legal dispute.
65. The current logo features a raven’s head in profile with a “B” on the side.
66. “The Flock” is the official name of the Ravens’ fan base.
67. The Ravens’ rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers is often cited as the most physical in the NFL.
68. The team’s “Purple Friday” tradition encourages fans to wear purple every Friday during the season.
69. Baltimore is known for its “Real Fans” who stayed loyal to football even after the Colts left in the middle of the night in 1984.
70. The team has a strong tradition of playing “Enter Sandman” during key defensive moments.

Records and Milestones

71. In 2019, the Ravens became the first team in NFL history to average 200 passing and 200 rushing yards per game in a season.
72. Matt Stover was the team’s kicker for 13 seasons and is the third-highest scorer in NFL history.
73. The Ravens hold the record for the most consecutive games with at least 100 rushing yards (43 games).
74. Derrick Mason is the franchise leader in receiving yards with 5,777.
75. Todd Heap holds the record for most receiving touchdowns by a Raven (41).
76. In 2003, Jamal Lewis rushed for 295 yards in a single game, which was an NFL record at the time.
77. The Ravens have had multiple players win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award (Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs).
78. They were the first team to ever use a “GPS” system to track player movement during practice.
79. The Ravens have won the AFC North division 7 times.
80. Their all-time winning percentage is one of the highest among all active NFL franchises.

Modern Era and Lamar Jackson

81. The Ravens traded up to the 32nd pick in 2018 to draft Lamar Jackson.
82. In his first full season as a starter, Jackson led the league with 36 passing touchdowns.
83. Jackson is the first quarterback to have multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons.
84. Mark Andrews has become the most productive tight end in team history.
85. The 2019 team set a franchise record with 14 regular-season wins.
86. Patrick Ricard, a “Fullback,” has been a Pro Bowler for several consecutive years, showing the Ravens’ love for old-school football.
87. The team’s current defense continues to be a top-10 unit almost every year.
88. Roquan Smith’s arrival in 2022 sparked a defensive resurgence reminiscent of the Ray Lewis era.
89. The Ravens are known for being “unbeatable” in the preseason, once winning 24 consecutive preseason games.
90. Lamar Jackson signed a record-breaking contract extension in 2023, keeping him in Baltimore for the long term.

The Cultural Impact

91. The Ravens are a massive part of Baltimore’s economy and local pride.
92. The team frequently partners with local charities through “Ravens in Our Community.”
93. Ray Lewis’ “Squirrel Dance” is one of the most imitated celebrations in sports history.
94. The movie The Blind Side features Michael Oher, who was a first-round draft pick for the Ravens.
95. Baltimore fans are famous for their “Seven Nation Army” chant during home games.
96. The team has a dedicated “Ladi8s” club for female fans.
97. Every year, the team hosts a “Draft Party” at the stadium that thousands of fans attend.
98. The Ravens’ “Next Gen” stats are often used by the NFL to showcase player speed and agility.
99. The “Purple” light on top of the Baltimore skyscrapers is a sign that the Ravens are playing a night game.
100. The Baltimore Ravens remain the only team in the NFL named after a classic work of literature.

Final Thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens

There you have it—100 Baltimore Ravens facts that cover everything from the team’s poetic beginnings to their hard-nosed defensive reputation. It’s a franchise that has always done things its own way, emphasizing “playing like a Raven”—which means being tough, smart, and relentless.