Super Bowl week is filled with many star-studded events.
There are concerts, parties, media events and even video game competitions, but aside from the “Big Game” on Sunday, none of it comes close to the all important event that takes place on Saturday evening.
In fact, it’s on Saturday night that NFL history will be made as the Hall of Fame’s 46-person Selection Committee will meet to vote on the Class of 2015.
For Ravens fans, the 2013 NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Class will always be a special one, as it featured the organization’s first ever selection, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj-LTqQ5gG0[/youtube]
Ogden, the 11 time Pro-Bowler, was voted into Canton in his first year of eligibility – fitting for the Ravens’ first ever draft pick (Baltimore selected him with the fourth overall in 1996).
The resume he put together during his 12-year playing career was quite impressive. The former UCLA Bruin made the Pro Bowl in 11 consecutive seasons, was voted an All-Pro an astounding 10 times (1996-2004, 2006) and was of course a Super Bowl Champion. Ogden was a key member of a Ravens offensive line in 2006 that gave up just 17 sacks (a franchise low) and was a staple at his position, ranking third in all-time games played by a Raven (177) and second in games started (176).
Ogden’s enshrinement wasn’t just special for him and the fans but for those that had the honor of coaching and playing with
the 6-9, 345-pound gentle giant.
“J.O. is one of the more humble guys I’ve ever played with,” said former Ravens running back Jamal Lewis, who Ogden helped set a franchise rushing record with 2,066 yards in 2003. “He led by example and was never outworked.
“I’ve never seen anybody protect the left side the way he did. He was a great leader both on and off of the field, and I wish him well in his retirement. It was an honor to play with one of the best left tackles in the history of the NFL.”
Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, another sure fire first-ballot Hall of Famer, spoke about the fits Ogden used to give the Ravens vaunted defense even in practice.
“He is a gentle giant, but a great competitor,” recalled Lewis. “His skill set was not matched by any player I’ve seen in my 17 years. As a teammate, it was one of the greatest pleasures to walk beside him. His size gave you the confidence that we could run the world.
“His passion was the reason for his dominance. I was drafted with one of the best of all time, and no one deserves this honor more. He’s the first drafted Raven, and now he’s our first Hall of Famer. We’re so happy for him.”
Former Ravens head coach Brian Billick, who coached Ogden for most of his career echoed Lewis’s sentiments.
“It was one of the highlights of my professional career to be allowed to work with J.O,” remarked Billick. “By any measurement, he has proven to be among the all-time greats at his position, and it will be an honor to see him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“Preparing for the pass rush on the left side was never an issue, and it didn’t take any meeting time. We’d start game- planning with: ‘OK, we’ll run behind J.O. and slide our protection to the right side.”
Baltimore loved Ogden and Ogden loved Baltimore. He still visits the city often during football season and can usually be found around the stadium on game days. His Jonathan Ogden Foundation remains very active in the Baltimore community as well.
So, even though the Ravens won’t be involved on the big stage this weekend, fans can take a trip down memory lane when the list of Hall of Fame inductees are announced, remembering that big smile on Jonathan’s face as his named was called.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
