The Baltimore Ravens is a professional football team based in Baltimore, Maryland.
History
The Ravens was established in 1996 by Art Model. He owned the Cleveland Browns and took the players to Baltimore, and changed the name of the team.
The name of his new team was inspired by the poem the Ravens by Edgar Allan Poe. The name was chosen after several telephone surveys where it turned out that it was a trustworthy name.
Quick facts
- Their first match was played on September 1, 1996.
- They are two-time Super Bowl winners in 2000 and 2012.
- The team’s first head coach was Ted Marchibroda.
- In 1996, over 50,000 season tickets were sold within 14 days when they were released for sale.
- The Baltimore Ravens first game was played on
- Memorial Stadium. A new record was set in the number of visitors at a sporting event in Baltimore with 64,124 spectators in attendance.
- Their first touchdown was made during the first game by quarterback Vinny Testaverde. The match was played against the Oakland Raiders but the Ravens won 19-14.
- In 1999, the head coach was replaced and it was Brian Billick who took over.
- In 2000, Steve Bisciotti bought 49% of the Baltimore Ravens.
- January 28, 2001, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida won
- Baltimore Ravens Superbowl XXXV against New York Giants with the score 34-7.
- In 2003, Ozzie Newsome was named Baltimore Ravens general manager in 2003.
- It was the first time in NFL history that a minority got that position.
- In 2004, Steve Bisciotti bought the rest of the Baltimore Ravens and became the new owner.
- In Superbowl XLVII, they defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
- The Baltimore Ravens’ official home arena today is the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland.
- The Baltimore Ravens team mascot is named Poe and is a black raven. Baltimore Ravens fans are called the flock.
- The Ravens have won two Superbowls but have ended up in several playoffs. The seasons that have led to the playoffs in the Superbowl are: 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2012.
- The colors of the Baltimore Ravens are purple, black, white and gold.
- The Baltimore Ravens are known for their fantastic defense. Some of the big Ravens defenders are midfielder Ray Lewis, outside defender Terrell Suggs, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, cornerback Chris McAlister, fullback Peter Boulware, cornerback Lardarius Webb, defensive tackle Tony Siragusa and defensive back Rod Woodson.
- In 1996, the Raven’s logo consisted of a “B” seal representing Baltimore. It was on their helmets.
- In 1999, the logo was replaced with the head of a raven in purple. On the bird’s head was the letter B.
- Since then, that symbol has been on their helmets.
- The uniforms since 1999 consist of purple sweaters and white trousers.
- In 1996, a white shirt and white trousers were introduced, which were often used in away matches.
- The white jersey in combination with black trousers was introduced in 2008 and is often worn at away matches and at the beginning of the season.