Baltimore Ravens History Unique

Copyright (c) 2010 Matthew Loveseason. Model sold his team due to financial troubles in
The Baltimore Ravens history is short relative to other2000, giving 49% ownership to Steve Bisciotti. In 2004,
NFL teams considering their inception was in 1996.Bisciotti became sole owner by purchasing the other
They became part of the AFC North Division and51% of the team for $325 million.
were established via a move of the Cleveland BrownsFor the first time in Baltimore Ravens history and after
team to Baltimore in 1995. Art Modells intentions werea formidable season with a 12-4 record in 2000, they
to move the team,which included their name, playerschalked up a Super Bowl win! Their defense played a
and equipment to Baltimore. The NFL commissioner atmajor role in their success in 2000, ranked as the best
the time arranged for Modell to leave all names, colors,the league. They played in the Super Bowl in Tampa
uniforms, and franchise information in Cleveland. Theagainst the New York Giants, winning 34-7 and
commissioner's decision kept the option open for aclinching the Super Bowl XXXV title. This win made
new Cleveland Browns team to be re-establishedthem the fourth pro football team from Baltimore to
sometime in the future. Thus, Art moved his team towin a championship, following in the shoes of the NFL
Baltimore and began playing in 1996, hence the RavensColts, the USFL Stars, and the CFL Stallions. The team
history began as an expansion team. Eventually, a newdidn't have much to note after this season, aside from
franchise was created for Cleveland in 1999, keepingfinancial problems, which required them to get rid of
their name and colors.many key players in the 2002 season. The 2004
The Baltimore Ravens history is unique consideringseason brought the final transfer of ownership into the
their transition from their former town Cleveland. Unlikehands of Steve Bisciotti, ending Art Modell's 40 year
other NFL franchises that moved to another location,career as an NFL owner. Modell still acts as a
the Ravens established a new team name, newconsultant for the team, and still has his own office at
colors, and an entire new franchise. This move leftthe Baltimore Ravens headquarters.
many Browns fans feeling abandoned and angered.Looking back in the history of Baltimore Ravens, they
The Browns fans had always been loyal andhave had slow starts to their seasons. This changed in
dedicated,hence the move was not taken kindly. The2006; the Ravens began with a 4-0 record, to the
move, however, created a new fan base for thecredit of Steve McNair's performance that year. That
team, and most of the original Browns players wereseason their record was 13-3, this lead to post season
traded, retired, or moved on to other endeavors.success's which include winning the AFC North title.
Art Modell initially hired Ted Marchibroda as the coach;They faced the Indianapolis Colts in the second round
he was highly regarded for his work with the Baltimoreplayoff game, where they lost to the future Super
Colts in the 1970s and the Indianapolis Colts through theBowl champions that year, the Indianapolis Colts. 2007
early 90s. Ozzie Newsome, former Browns tight end,was a challenging year, ending with 5-11 record, losing 9
was named director of football operations, and thenout of their last 10 games that year. After that losing
promoted to the Vice President and General Managerseason, Brian Billick was dismissed. John Harbaugh
position subsequently. Throughout Baltimore Ravenswas recruited to coach the team in 2008, which led
history, they have played in Memorial Stadium, untilthe Baltimore Ravens team back to the playoffs. In the
1998 when the newly built Raven Stadium wasfinal round of the 2008 playoffs,they lost to the
commemorated in Camden Yards. This was the sameeventual Super Bowl champions Pittsburgh Steelers.
year the team lost their quarterback to New York JetsDefense has played a major role in the Raven's
and was replaced by Jim Harbaugh initially and thensuccess. With the leadership skills of a veteran like
Eric Zeier later.Ray Lewis, their defense is consistently ranked among
Rod Woodson joined the team soon after, but thethe top 5 in the NFL. The Ravens continue to show
Ravens went on to have three losing seasons, whichdominance in 2009 by battling their way into the post
caused a new head coach to be named. Brian Billickseason, their notable running game and relentless
became the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens indefense helped them trounce the Patriots to move
1999, and Tony Banks was made quarterback for thatcloser to another Super Bowl appearance.