Baltimore Ravens History

From the ashes of the past, the future is created. So the saying goes, and so it was with the Baltimore Ravens. Depending on whom you ask, the Ravens either came from the Cleveland Browns or the Baltimore Colts. The Colts, having been moved from Baltimore in the middle of the night, had many players who wanted to change the team’s image to allow Baltimore to keep its football history. This did not happen, however. Because of this, when the Cleveland Browns decided on a move in 1996, due to the disrepair of the Cleveland Stadium, Baltimore made it clear that they did not wish to steal the Browns’ history from Cleveland. Thus, the Baltimore Ravens were born from the ashes of the Browns, to take the place of the Colts. As such, the Ravens are actually the successors to two teams, something not many NFL teams can claim.

Getting used to their surroundings, it took the team a few years of adjustment to start performing well. Once they got their footing, though, they seemed unstoppable. They tore through the 2000 season, dominating team after team and finally making it to the Super Bowl to face the New York Giants. Once more, the Baltimore Ravens took control and defeated the Giants at 34-7. Simultaneously considered the legacy of two other teams and an independent franchise unto itself, taking the Super Bowl was an upset no one expected. For the most part, the team has remained strong in the following years. The Baltimore Ravens are a worthy legacy to both of their predecessors and a powerful force in their own right.