Ravens' First Super Bowl Ring from 2000 Season

The Ravens' Road to Super Bowl Glory

The 2000 season was a magical one for the Baltimore Ravens. After years of struggle since moving from Cleveland in 1996, the Ravens put together all the pieces for a storybook ending to the year. Powered by a historically great defense and just enough offense, Baltimore rode a wave of momentum all the way to Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa. There, they dominated the NFC Champion New York Giants to claim their first ever Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Assembling a Ferocious Defense

The foundation for the Ravens' success in 2000 was built through the draft over the previous few seasons. Players like Ray Lewis, Chris McAlister, Peter Boulware, and Kim Herring formed the core of an attacking, relentless defense. Veteran additions like Rod Woodson, Rob Burnett, and Tony Siragusa added experience and more playmaking.

Defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis molded this deep and versatile unit into the most fearsome defense the league had seen in years. Allowing just 165 points all season, the fewest since the 1978 Steelers, they battered opponents into submission week after week.

Trent Dilfer Stabilizes the Offense

On offense, the Ravens relied on a "play good enough not to lose" philosophy behind new starting quarterback Trent Dilfer. With stars like tackle Jonathan Ogden and tight end Shannon Sharpe, the unit played efficient complementary football and did not commit many costly turnovers.

This formula was enough to push Baltimore to a 12-4 regular season record and earn the AFC Central division championship. It was clear early on that this team would go as far as their aggressive defense could carry them.

Playoff Intensity Leads to Tampa

With home field advantage locked up entering the 2000 playoffs, the Ravens defense turned up the heat to another level when it mattered most. They dominated the Broncos and Titans by identical 20-3 scores in the AFC bracket to reach the franchise's very first Super Bowl berth.

Stifling the NFC Champion Giants

Despite entering Super Bowl XXXV as underdogs to the Giants, Baltimore relished their role and matched New York's intensity from the opening kickoff. The Ravens allowed no points and just 152 total yards of offense, completely bewildering quarterback Kerry Collins.

Two touchdowns from Duane Starks on interception returns put the game out of reach before halftime. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read Ravens 34, Giants 7. Incredibly, the defense had outscored the opposing offense by itself. This legendary unit will forever be regarded as arguably the best group in league history.

Celebrating the Sweet Taste of Victory

Winning the Lombardi Trophy for the first time capped a wonderful turnaround to the season that few anticipated. After several lean years building towards contender status, Brian Billick's squad put together a year to remember in Baltimore.

That signature 2000 Ravens defense will live on in fame, with players like Lewis, Woodson, Burnett entering the Hall of Fame. For general manager Ozzie Newsome and owner Art Modell, the victory marked a franchise peak after relocating the struggling Browns.

The Super Bowl Ring Says It All

All the members of the championship 2000 Ravens team received a special memento - a giant Super Bowl ring declaring their glory. Etched into the gold and diamond are the reminders of their incredible feat. On one side is the Vince Lombardi trophy and Ravens logo, with "World Champions" encircling it.

The other side features each player's name and number, the Super Bowl date and location, along with the scores from each playoff win. This classic championship ring will forever link its recipients to one of football's all-time greatest defenses.