Jonathan Ogden

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Ogden's path to Baltimore began at UCLA, where he excelled in both football and track. He chose the Bruins over Florida specifically so he could compete in track and field, eventually winning the 1996 NCAA Indoor shot put title with a personal best of 19.42 meters. On the gridiron, he started four years as a left tackle, allowing just two sacks in 23 games during his junior and senior seasons. In 1995, he claimed the Outland Trophy, the Morris Trophy, UPI Lineman of the Year honors, and unanimous All-American status. His jersey was retired by UCLA, making him only the eighth player in school history to receive that honor. Upon entering the NFL, a notable draft-day dynamic occurred: while Ravens executive Ozzie Newsome wanted Ogden, owner Art Modell initially preferred Lawrence Phillips. Newsome prevailed, securing the future of the franchise.

In Their Own Story

Throughout his career, Ogden cultivated a unique reputation for smiling even in the heat of battle. Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan joked, "He's a laugher... You see him, you think to yourself this guy is not mean enough to handle the mean guys out there in the NFL. Jonathan would rip your limbs off, and he'd smile...and wave your arm in front of you." This demeanor belied his dominance; he was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection and a nine-time All-Pro. Offensively, he caught two passes for one yard each, both resulting in touchdowns, and recovered 10 fumbles while recording 10 tackles. His peak came in 2001 when the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34–7 to win Super Bowl XXXV. Ogden announced his retirement on June 12, 2008, after 12 seasons with Baltimore. At 6'9", he was tied for the second-tallest player in the NFL at that time. He returned as an honorary captain when the Ravens won their second Super Bowl in Super Bowl XLVII.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking Ogden's accolades, the numbers are stark: 11 Pro Bowls and nine All-Pro selections. He was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on February 2, 2013, following his earlier induction into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 5, 2012. Fox Sports ranked him as the #3 best offensive lineman of all time. His journey began in Washington, D.C., where he attended St. Albans School and set high school records with a 19.23-meter shot put throw and a 56.73-meter discus throw. Off the field, he established the Jonathan Ogden Foundation in 1997 to help student-athletes take responsibility for their futures. He also made a brief appearance on WWF Raw on May 1, 2000, attempting to win the Hardcore Championship from Crash Holly, though he was unsuccessful. In September 2009, Sporting News named him to its Team of the Decade (2000s), and in 2010, he ranked 72nd on the NFL's top 100 players list.

Did You Know?

• Ogden was the first draft selection in Baltimore Ravens franchise history.
• He won the 1996 NCAA Men's Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships in the shot put with a personal best of 19.42 meters.
• During his NFL career, he caught two passes for one yard each, both for touchdowns.
• Ogden was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the first player to spend his entire playing career with the Ravens.
• He attempted to win the WWF Hardcore Championship from Crash Holly on May 1, 2000, but was unsuccessful.