The NFL is a league built on the backs of legends, where the greats come to leave their mark on the field and in the history books. Each season, new stars emerge and add to the ever-growing legacy of the league. However, only a select few teams and franchises stand the test of time, building a foundation of excellence year after year.

As the 2025 season nears, the Baltimore Ravens can proudly look back on their 25-year history as one of the league’s most dominant franchises. With a mix of iconic players, unforgettable moments, and championship aspirations, the Ravens have built a legacy that is impossible to ignore.

In recognition of their remarkable run over the last quarter-century, Pro Football Focus (PFF) unveiled its “Quarter-Century Team” — a prestigious honor that celebrates the best players in the league since the 2000 season. For the Ravens, it was a moment of triumph as their roster was heavily represented, with multiple players making the cut and cementing their place in the annals of NFL history.

In this feature, we’ll take a deep dive into the Ravens’ dominance on the PFF Quarter-Century Team and reflect on the players who helped shape the franchise into one of the NFL’s most feared and respected.

The Ravens’ Defensive Dominance: Ray Lewis and Ed Reed
When the Ravens’ roster is discussed, two names stand out above all others: Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

Ray Lewis: A Defensive Pillar of the Franchise
Ray Lewis was the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense for 17 seasons. The linebacker, known for his fiery leadership, relentless intensity, and unparalleled instincts, was selected to the PFF Quarter-Century Team as one of the best defensive players of the last 25 years. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, and 13-time Pro Bowler, Lewis was the centerpiece of Baltimore’s defense and led them to some of the most dominant defensive performances in NFL history.

Lewis’ ability to read offenses and communicate with his teammates made him a force on the field. His trademark pre-game speeches, as well as his inspiring leadership, made him one of the most respected players in the history of the game. He was the perfect embodiment of the Ravens’ identity: hard-hitting, smart, and relentless.

Over the course of his career, Lewis accumulated over 2,000 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 31 interceptions. His impact was immeasurable, and even in the later stages of his career, he remained a crucial cog in the Ravens’ defensive machine. In 2000, when the Ravens won their first Super Bowl title, Lewis was the leader of a defense that allowed the fewest points in the NFL.

Ed Reed: The Ball-Hawking Free Safety
Right alongside Ray Lewis in the PFF Quarter-Century Team is another legend of the Ravens’ defense: Ed Reed.

Ed Reed was arguably the most gifted playmaking safety in NFL history. His ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate throws, and make game-changing interceptions set him apart from others in his position. A true ball hawk, Reed holds the NFL record for most interception return yards in a career (1,590) and finished with 64 interceptions, 9 touchdowns, and 13 forced fumbles over his illustrious career.

Reed’s best years came with the Ravens, where he was a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler, a Super Bowl champion in 2012, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2004. His ability to change the course of a game with a single play, whether it was a pick-six or a clutch interception, was unmatched.

The duo of Ray Lewis and Ed Reed was the cornerstone of one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. They defined the Ravens’ identity as a hard-hitting, opportunistic, and physically imposing team, making the Ravens’ defense one of the most feared units in the league throughout their careers.

Lamar Jackson: A Revolution at Quarterback
In addition to their historic defense, the Ravens have also become known for their offensive playmaking, and no player embodies that shift more than Lamar Jackson.

Jackson was selected to the PFF Quarter-Century Team for his unprecedented ability as a dual-threat quarterback. When Lamar Jackson took over as the starting quarterback in 2018, he immediately changed the way the game was played. His unique combination of speed, agility, and arm strength made him one of the most dynamic players in the NFL.

Jackson’s 2019 MVP season was a landmark moment in NFL history. He broke multiple records, including the most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season (1,206), and his 43 total touchdowns (36 passing, 7 rushing) set a new standard for dual-threat quarterbacks. Jackson became the youngest player to win the NFL MVP, and his electric style of play revolutionized the quarterback position. His success as a runner has forced defenses to evolve and adapt to his skills, but his growth as a passer has also made him a more complete quarterback.

In his short time in the league, Jackson has already led the Ravens to multiple playoff appearances and helped them to an AFC North division title in 2019. His ability to carry the offense on his back and deliver in clutch moments has made him one of the most exciting and successful quarterbacks of the past quarter-century.

Terrell Suggs: The Edge Rusher Extraordinaire
No discussion of the Ravens’ dominance in the 2000s and 2010s would be complete without acknowledging Terrell Suggs, one of the best edge rushers to ever play the game. Suggs was an absolute force off the edge for the Ravens, and his selection to the PFF Quarter-Century Team is a reflection of his impact on the defense.

Suggs’ 132.5 career sacks place him among the all-time greats, and his ability to create havoc in the backfield was a key component of the Ravens’ defense for over a decade. A Super Bowl champion in 2012, Suggs was the 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and a 6-time Pro Bowler. His pass-rushing skills, combined with his run-stopping ability, made him one of the most versatile and feared linebackers in the NFL.

Suggs played 16 seasons with the Ravens, and throughout his career, he consistently delivered game-changing plays. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and his ability to play in all situations helped define the Ravens’ defense as one of the most dominant in the league.

The Ravens’ Offensive Line: A Foundation for Success
While the Ravens are often known for their defensive prowess, the team’s offensive line has been equally critical in helping them achieve success. Jonathan Ogden, widely regarded as one of the greatest offensive tackles of all time, was selected to the PFF Quarter-Century Team for his dominance in the trenches.

Ogden, a 9-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, was the anchor of the Ravens’ offensive line for 12 seasons. His combination of size, athleticism, and technique allowed him to dominate pass rushers and create lanes for the running game. Ogden was a key figure in both of the Ravens’ Super Bowl victories and played a pivotal role in the team’s success during his career.

Alongside Ogden, the Ravens have had other key offensive linemen over the years who played vital roles in both the running and passing game. Players like Marshal Yanda, who was also named to the PFF Quarter-Century Team, helped pave the way for one of the NFL’s most consistent and physical offenses.

A Legacy of Excellence
The Ravens’ representation on the PFF Quarter-Century Team is a testament to the team’s sustained excellence over the past 25 years. From the dominating defense led by Ray Lewis and Ed Reed to the offensive revolution brought about by Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have consistently been one of the league’s most competitive and successful franchises.

The legacy of players like Terrell Suggs, Jonathan Ogden, and Marshal Yanda speaks to the complete nature of the Ravens’ dominance — not just on defense but in every facet of the game. These players, along with the many others who have worn a Ravens uniform, have helped establish Baltimore as a powerhouse in the NFL.

As the franchise looks ahead to the next quarter-century, the success of the past will continue to serve as the foundation for future greatness. The Ravens’ presence on the PFF Quarter-Century Team is a reminder of the team’s rich history, and with players like Lamar Jackson leading the way, it’s clear that Baltimore is poised to continue its tradition of excellence for many years to come.