Baltimore Ravens

Thousands of people pack out the MT Bank Stadium every Sunday to see their favorite Maryland athletes give their all on the NFL field. The Baltimore Ravens fans put on their purple Ravens jerseys with their favorite player’s number on the front and cheer their hearts out. The stars on the field such as Marc Bulger, Derrick Mason, Ed Reed and Matt Birk see their fans’ enthusiasm and feel honored to be playing for Baltimore and wearing their own, original Ravens Jerseys. Though the whole place is packed with purple and many of those Jerseys are selling in the various gift shops around downtown, many do not know how the Baltimore Ravens got their name, logo, colors, and jerseys.

In 1996 Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, Maryland causing some serious football controversy. Maryland, however, was glad to have them because they had not had a football team since 1985. The name “Ravens” was inspired by the story “The Raven” written by the dark poet Edgar Allen Poe and voted in right away. At first, the jersey and helmet color were blue. Sadly, the original gear for the team only lasted three years before the Ravens were forced to change logos due to a lawsuit. It was revealed in 1999 that the original logo was actually designed by a local security guard who had faxed in his idea to Ravens headquarters but had never received payment or recognition for his work.

When the team voted on the purple Baltimore Ravens logo it was attached to the gear exactly how you see it on the Baltimore jerseys and helmets today. The capitol “B” has stayed the same through the years but the numbers on the front of the Jerseys went through a font change the same year the purple Raven was chosen as the logo. In 2003 the Baltimore Ravens introduced their alternate black jerseys for certain home games, but the purple Ravens jerseys remain predominant.

Due to their popularity, some actual, worn Ravens jerseys sell for hundreds and even thousands of dollars. Even though they are still a relatively young team, the Ravens boast several famous players including Ray Lewis. Lewis has won many awards including the Unanimous All-Pro Award, Super Bowl 35 Most Valuable Player Award and the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2000. In 2003 Lewis was the best middle linebacker in the States and tied the all-time record for middle linebackers with his six interceptions. Ray Lewis jerseys start at $400 if they are autographed. Another popular jersey was worn by Joe Flacco.

Baltimore fans loyally wear their Ravens jerseys with pride during the good times and bad. The Ravens are incredible athletes and certainly have a bright future ahead of them. Maryland has plenty to be excited about.