The Baltimore Ravens have been an NFL franchise ever since Major League Soccer became a league in the United States in 1996. While Baltimore was once the city that the Colts played in from 1950-1983, the Ravens were made an expansion team in the late 1990s.
Even though the team hasn't been around long, they've fielded plenty of talented rosters over the years. At the same time, they've had some successful coaches, including their current one in John Harbaugh.
Throughout their first 24 years of existence, Baltimore has enjoyed plenty of triumphs. Altogether, the Ravens have won two Super Bowls and have compiled an impressive 15-10 record in the postseason.
Considering that some teams don't even have a single Super Bowl appearance, having two Super Bowl rings already is quite the feat. In addition to the Super Bowls, Baltimore has also experienced other worthwhile moments. In light of that, let's take a look at the three greatest moments in Ravens history.
3. Picking Ray Lewis in the 1996 NFL Draft
Once again, the Ravens didn't become a team in the NFL in 1996. Therefore, Baltimore was tasked with building a roster rather quickly once they were incepted.
Besides adding some free agents, the Ravens faced plenty of pressure nailing their draft picks. Luckily with the No. 26 pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, with their first draft pick in team history, Baltimore took Ray Lewis out of Miami.
Lewis was a standout linebacker at Miami and immediately became a key contributor for the Ravens as a rookie. It's safe to say Baltimore struck gold on their first-ever draft pick, with Lewis spending 17 seasons with the organization.
Throughout his 17 seasons with the Ravens, Lewis would total an NFL record 2,059 tackles. Plus, he would be the heart and soul of Baltimore's defense. After retiring from the NFL in 2012, Lewis would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2018.
2. Winning Super Bowl 47 in 2012
While Lewis was in Baltimore, the Ravens boasted plenty of talented teams. During his impressive career, Lewis was a part of two Super Bowls and came away with a ring in both of them.
However, the Super Bowl in 2012 meant a bit more as it was the final year of Lewis' illustrious career. At the same time, Joe Flacco put together one of the most historic playoff runs in NFL history back in 2012.
In the 2012 postseason, Flacco would defeat Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady en route to advancing to the Super Bowl. Altogether, Flacco would combine for 853 yards and eight touchdowns in the first three playoff contests.
Then, in the Super Bowl, the Ravens would defeat the San Francisco 49ers by the score of 34-31. Above all, Baltimore would help Lewis ride off into the sunset as they secured their second Super Bowl in franchise history.
1. Winning Super Bowl 35 in 2000
Some teams (the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions)in the NFL haven't even made a Super Bowl despite being around for years. Besides the Browns and Lions, both the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars haven't made it to the big game either.
But in Houston and Jacksonville's defense, they've been in the NFL for fewer than 30 years. While the Ravens have been around for fewer than 30 years too, it didn't take them long to win their first Super Bowl.
In their first four seasons in the NFL, Baltimore would accumulate a 24-39-1 record. After falling short in their first few seasons, the Ravens would proceed to make their first Super Bowl appearance in 2000.
The Ravens' defense, led by Lewis, Chris McCallister, and Rod Woodson, would blowout the New York Giants in the Super Bowl 34-7. Following their dominant Super Bowl victory, Baltimore put themselves on the map as a well-run NFL organization in 2000.
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