From the Baltimore Ravens:
Jonathan Ogden, the first draft choice in Baltimore Ravens history and an 11-time Pro Bowler, will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at M&T Bank Stadium on Oct. 26. The Ring of Honor is presented by Smyth Jewelers, who will give Ogden a spectacular crystal vase and a commemorative coin to honor the occasion. The actual induction will take place at halftime of the Ravens/Raiders game.
Ogden completed his 12-season career with the Ravens following the 2007 campaign. He has more starts, 176, than any other Raven, and is second to Matt Stover in games played, 196 to 177.
Jon’s 11 Pro Bowls are tied as the fourth most in NFL history, and only three offensive linemen – Bruce Matthews with 14 and Randall McDaniel and Will Shields with 12 each – have been selected more than the Baltimore standout.
Ogden, who was born in Washington, D.C., on July 31, 1974, was the fourth player selected in the NFL Draft in 1996, the Ravens’ first year. After starting at left guard as a rookie, Ogden moved to the left tackle spot in 1997 and remained a Ravens’ fixture at that position for the rest of his career.
Ogden is the fifth Raven to be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor, which is located on the façade at the front of M&T Bank Stadium’s upper deck. The other Ravens, and the year they were inducted, are: RB Earnest Byner (2001), owner Art Modell (2003), DE Michael McCrary (2004) and LB Peter Boulware (2006). The eight Hall of Fame members of the Baltimore Colts are also in the Ravens’ Ring of Honor.
Way to go JO! He’ll be remembered as one of the most-if not THE most- technically sound tackles in football. He was constantly facing the best DE’s and OLB’s in football, play after play, and won a whole lot more times than he lost.
The shame is, I think the big guy’s body gave in a lot sooner than his heart. They can insert some other player at LT, but they’ll never be a replacement for #75!
Wiser words have never been spoken Dell!