NFL history: The Mount Rushmore of every NFL franchise
By Randy Gurzi
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Ozzie Newsome
The Baltimore Ravens don’t have the long history that some teams do, since they technically have only existed since 1996. That was the year the original Cleveland Browns moved to Charm City, but left their history in Cleveland. Even with their limited history, the Ravens have two Super Bowl wins and some very influential figures who deserve to make their Mount Rushmore.
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The most obvious is linebacker Ray Lewis. Although he had some controversy surround him early in his career, Lewis found a way to become a positive voice and was well respected all around the NFL.
Not only did he serve as the emotional leader of the Ravens, but he also took several young players around the NFL under his wing, as he attempted to help steer them in the right direction.
Two teammates who spent much of their career with Lewis join him, as Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs are enshrined next to their Pro Football Hall of Fame teammate.
Reed played with the Ravens from 2002 through 2012 and is their all-time leader in interceptions with 61. Suggs is the leader in sacks with 132.5 and second all-time with 601 tackles — he comes in behind Lewis who had 1,562 in his career.
While all those players were exceptional, there was one man behind the scenes pulling the strings for both titles — general manager Ozzie Newsome. At the helm from 1996 through 2018, Newsome was a star tight end for the Browns before heading to their front office. He moved with the team and up through last season was the decision maker for one of the most consistent franchises in the NFL.