Jonathan Ogden

The Ravens' first-ever draft pick and a unanimous All-American at UCLA.

Jonathan Phillip Ogden (born July 31, 1974) stands as a titan in Baltimore Ravens history, serving as the franchise's first-ever draft selection. Selected with the 4th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, he spent his entire professional career as an offensive tackle for the team. A unanimous All-American from UCLA, Ogden was named to 11 Pro Bowls and earned nine All-Pro selections. He anchored the line for a squad that won Super Bowl XXXV against the New York Giants. Widely considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time, he became the first player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after spending his entire career with the Ravens.

Quick Facts

Position: Offensive tackle
Born: 31 July 1974
Birthplace: Washington, D.C., U.S.
High school: St. Albans (Washington, D.C.)
College: UCLA (1992–1995)
Draft year: 1996
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 4

Lore & Background

Ogden's path to Baltimore began at UCLA, where he excelled in both football and track. 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.

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.