Explain Baltimore Ravens in 500 words
The Baltimore Ravens is a professional American football team based in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens compete in the National Football League (NFL), as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The team was established in 1996, after the city of Baltimore was granted an NFL franchise following the controversial relocation of the Cleveland Browns.
The name Ravens was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem, "The Raven", as Poe lived and died in Baltimore. The team's colors are black, purple, and metallic gold, and its logo features a raven's head in profile with a stylized "B" incorporated into its design.
Since their inception, the Ravens have been known for their strong defense and physical style of play. They've had several notable players over the years, including linebacker Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed, and offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, all of whom are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The team's current stars include quarterback Lamar Jackson, who won the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2019, and kicker Justin Tucker, widely regarded as one of the best in NFL history.
The Ravens have enjoyed significant success in their relatively short history. They've won two Super Bowl championships (Super Bowl XXXV in 2001 and Super Bowl XLVII in 2013), four AFC North division titles, and have made the playoffs multiple times. Their first Super Bowl victory, in which they defeated the New York Giants, was especially dominant, as the Ravens allowed only one offensive touchdown throughout the entire postseason.
The team's home games are played at M&T Bank Stadium, located in the heart of Baltimore. The stadium is known for its passionate and boisterous fans, who often chant the team's rallying cry, "Seven Nation Army", during games. The Ravens also have a fierce rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with their games often being among the most highly anticipated and intensely contested of the NFL season.
Off the field, the Ravens are active in the Baltimore community. The team's charitable arm, the Ravens Foundation, Inc., provides financial support to local non-profit organizations, while players often participate in community service activities.
The team is currently owned by Steve Bisciotti, who purchased a majority stake in The general manager is Eric DeCosta, who took over in 2019 after longtime GM Ozzie Newsome stepped down. The head coach is John Harbaugh, who has been with the team since 2008.
In conclusion, the Baltimore Ravens are a relatively young but successful franchise in the NFL. Known for their tough, physical style of play and strong defensive tradition, the Ravens have quickly established a winning culture and passionate fan base in Baltimore. With a history of great players and a commitment to community service, the Ravens are a proud representative of their city and a formidable presence in the NFL.