Award Winners Celebrated Through the Baltimore Ravens Ties

The Baltimore Ravens’ rich history is intertwined with some of the NFL’s most prestigious individual honors—from MVP trophies to Defensive Player of the Year awards—each claimed by figures who left an indelible mark on the franchise. These award winners aren’t just names in a record book; they’re part of the Ravens’ identity, celebrated through team traditions, fan tributes, and even physical reminders like retired jerseys or statues outside M&T Bank Stadium. Whether it’s a current star like Lamar Jackson or a legendary coach like Brian Billick, their award-winning moments are woven into the fabric of Baltimore’s football culture, serving as inspiration for future players and a source of pride for the community. Award Winners Celebrated Through the Baltimore Ravens Ties explores these iconic figures, their path to NFL recognition, and how the Ravens continue to honor their legacies.

Award Winners Celebrated Through the Baltimore Ravens Ties begins with the franchise’s most recent major award winner: Lamar Jackson, who claimed the NFL MVP title in 2019 and finished as a finalist in 2023. Jackson’s 2019 season was historic—he became the youngest player ever to win MVP (23 years old) after throwing for 3,127 yards, 36 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions, while adding 1,206 rushing yards and 7 more touchdowns. The Ravens celebrated this achievement with a special halftime ceremony during a 2020 home game, where team owner Steve Bisciotti presented Jackson with a custom MVP trophy engraved with his name and the Ravens’ logo. Fans turned out in droves, holding up signs that read “Lamar = MVP” and cheering as highlights of his season played on the stadium’s jumbotron. To this day, Jackson’s MVP season is a cornerstone of Ravens lore: the team sells replica MVP jerseys in its store, and clips of his signature plays (like his 47-yard rushing touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs) are played during pre-game warmups to fire up the crowd. “That 2019 season changed everything for this franchise,” said Ravens broadcaster Gerry Sandusky. “Lamar’s MVP win wasn’t just his achievement—it was a win for every Ravens fan who’d waited for a quarterback to lead us to that level.”

Award Winners Celebrated Through the Baltimore Ravens Ties shifts to the team’s legacy of defensive dominance, embodied by award-winning players like Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. Lewis, often regarded as the greatest linebacker in NFL history, won Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) twice (2000, 2003) and was named Super Bowl XXXV MVP—awards that reflect his role as the heart of the Ravens’ legendary 2000 defense (which allowed a record-low 165 points that season). The Ravens honored Lewis by retiring his No. 52 jersey in 2013, and in 2018, they unveiled a 9-foot bronze statue of him outside M&T Bank Stadium, capturing his iconic pre-game dance. Suggs, another defensive standout, won DPOY in 2011 after recording 14 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, and he remains the Ravens’ all-time leader in sacks (132.5). The team celebrated Suggs’ career with a “T-Sizzle Night” in 2019, where he was presented with a framed jersey and a video tribute featuring highlights from his 17 seasons in Baltimore. These defensive stars’ awards aren’t just celebrated for individual glory—they represent the Ravens’ identity as a team built on tough, physical defense. “Ray and Terrell set the standard for what it means to be a Raven,” said former Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “Their DPOY wins are a testament to the work ethic and passion they brought every day, and we still talk about their legacy with our current players.”

Award Winners Celebrated Through the Baltimore Ravens Ties delves into the franchise’s award-winning coaches, whose strategic vision helped shape the team’s success. Brian Billick, the Ravens’ head coach from 1999 to 2007, led the team to its first Super Bowl victory (XXXV) in 2001 and was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2003 after guiding the Ravens to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth despite a roster filled with young players. The Ravens honored Billick in 2019 by inducting him into the team’s Ring of Honor, a distinction reserved for the franchise’s most impactful figures. John Harbaugh, Billick’s successor, has also earned acclaim: he was named NFL Coach of the Year in 2019 after leading the Ravens to a franchise-best 14-2 record and an AFC North title, and he’s the winningest coach in Ravens history (160+ wins). For the Baltimore Ravens, these coaches’ awards reflect the team’s commitment to excellence from the top down—their leadership not only led to on-field success but also fostered a culture of accountability that still defines the franchise. “Brian and John built this team into a contender year after year,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “Their Coach of the Year awards are a reflection of their ability to get the most out of every player, and we’re grateful for the foundation they laid.”

Award Winners Celebrated Through the Baltimore Ravens Ties explores how the team celebrates award winners beyond game days—through community events, youth programs, and partnerships. For example, the Ravens host an annual “MVP Football Camp” for local kids, where Jackson and other former award winners teach fundamentals like passing, tackling, and sportsmanship. The team also partners with local schools to create “Ray Lewis Leadership Programs,” which use Lewis’ DPOY-winning work ethic to inspire students to excel in academics and athletics. In 2023, the Ravens launched a “Tribute to Champions” exhibit at their team museum, featuring game-worn jerseys, trophies, and interactive displays that let fans relive iconic award moments (like Lewis’ Super Bowl XXXV speech or Jackson’s 2019 MVP press conference). For the Baltimore Ravens, these initiatives aren’t just about honoring the past—they’re about using award winners’ legacies to make a positive impact on the community. “Our award winners aren’t just football players—they’re role models,” said Ravens community relations director Jennifer Grondahl. “By connecting them with local kids and families, we’re helping pass on the values that made them successful: hard work, resilience, and teamwork.”

Award Winners Celebrated Through the Baltimore Ravens Ties wraps up with the future of award-winning excellence in Baltimore—and how the Ravens plan to keep their legacy alive. With current stars like Jackson (a potential future MVP), Roquan Smith (a rising DPOY candidate), and Justin Tucker (the NFL’s all-time leading scorer and a multiple-time Pro Bowler), the Ravens have no shortage of players poised to add to the franchise’s award tally. The team’s front office has made it a priority to draft and develop players who embody the Ravens’ culture—talented athletes with the work ethic to compete for top honors. For fans, this means more moments to celebrate: more halftime ceremonies, more Ring of Honor inductions, and more memories to add to the Ravens’ storied history. “We’ve always had players and coaches who strive for greatness,” said Bisciotti. “Our job is to support them, celebrate their achievements, and build a team that makes Baltimore proud. The award winners we’ve had so far are just the beginning.” For the Baltimore Ravens, every award isn’t just a trophy—it’s a testament to the franchise’s commitment to winning, its connection to the community, and the enduring legacy of the players and coaches who have worn the purple and black.