Baltimore Ravens: A History of Gridiron Greatness

Humble Beginnings: The Birth of the Baltimore Colts

The roots of the Baltimore Ravens lie in the storied history of the Baltimore Colts, an NFL franchise founded in 1953. The Colts quickly became a force to be reckoned with, capturing the NFL Championship in 1958 and 1959. Led by legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas, the Colts established themselves as one of the league's most formidable teams.

However, in 1984, a devastating blow struck the city of Baltimore when the Colts were controversially relocated to Indianapolis. The loss of the Colts left a void in the hearts of Baltimore football fans, who yearned for the return of gridiron glory.

The Rise of the Ravens

In 1996, Baltimore's football fortunes took a dramatic turn when the NFL awarded the city a new expansion team. The franchise was named the Ravens, a nod to the city's proud history as a major port and the legendary poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe.

The Ravens quickly assembled a talented roster, led by quarterback Vinny Testaverde and linebacker Ray Lewis. Under the guidance of head coach Brian Billick, the Ravens made an immediate impact on the NFL. In 2000, just four years after their inception, the Ravens capped off an unforgettable season by defeating the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.