Jonathan Ogden, the first ever selection of the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens after the franchise moved from Cleveland in 1996, became the first ever Hall of Fame inductee of the team currently at the top of the NFL.
A massive 6’9″, 345 pound tackle, Ogden anchored the Ravens’ offensive line for 12 seasons until his retirement in 2007.
General Manager Ozzie Newsome recognized Ogden as a key component of Baltimore’s success. “He is part of the foundation of this franchise, part of the reason we have two Super Bowl championships,” Newsome said. The man who drafted Ogden was the tackle’s choice to do his introduction into Canton.
Although Ogden was a physical specimen and immensely talented, he was quick to note that more was required to achieve his level of success. “Talent isn’t enough,” Ogden said. “A lot of people have talent, they
don’t always live up to it. For me it is about maximizing, striving for
perfection.”
Ogden was a six time All-Pro, eleven time Pro-Bowl selection, and was instrumental in leading the Ravens to the 2000 Super Bowl victory.