Did the Baltimore Ravens Win a Super Bowl?
Yes. The Baltimore Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV on January 28, 2001, defeating the New York Giants 34–7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Ravens' defense allowed only a field goal in the second half. This remains Baltimore's only Super Bowl championship in the franchise's history, which began in 1996 when the team relocated from Cleveland.
The 2000 Season and Path to Victory
The Ravens' Super Bowl run came in their fifth season. Baltimore finished the 2000 regular season with a 12–4 record and secured the AFC Central division title. The team's defense was historically dominant that year, ranking first in the NFL in points allowed (165 for the entire season) and yards allowed. Defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis orchestrated a scheme built around pass rush and coverage discipline that generated 36 interceptions across the season.
In the playoffs, Baltimore's path included a divisional-round victory over the Denver Broncos (21–3) and an AFC Championship Game win over the Oakland Raiders (16–3). The defense held both opponents to field goals or single-digit scoring, a pattern that extended into the Super Bowl itself.
Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer managed the game effectively rather than carrying it. Wide receiver Jamal Lewis, running back Jamal Lewis (note: different player, though the name similarity caused local sports confusion), and a ground-oriented offense complemented the defense. The team's identity was suffocation on defense and ball control on offense, an approach that worked despite Baltimore not having a top-tier passing attack.
Super Bowl XXXV Details and Local Significance
The 34–7 margin made this one of the more lopsided Super Bowl victories in the game's history. The Giants managed only one touchdown via a 1-yard run in the third quarter. Baltimore's offense scored three touchdowns and one field goal, with safety Kim Harris returning an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the outcome.
In Baltimore itself, the victory triggered a parade down Pratt Street that drew an estimated 350,000 people to the Inner Harbor and downtown streets. The celebration lasted several hours and included downtown street closures. Local bars, particularly those near the Inner Harbor and Fells Point, reported record attendance for viewing parties that night.
The Ravens' stadium at the time was the M&T Bank Stadium (opened in 1998), located at 1 M&T Bank Stadium Drive in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor. The team had only occupied the facility for three seasons before winning the championship, making the stadium an immediate symbol of the franchise's success in its new city.
Roster and Key Players
Safety Ed Reed was not yet a Raven during this era; his arrival came in 2004. The 2000 defense featured linebacker Ray Lewis (who became the face of the franchise), defensive ends Peter Boulware and Rob Burnett, and cornerback Duane Starks. These names remain central to Ravens lore in Baltimore sports conversation.
Running back Jamal Lewis, a second-round draft pick in 2000, contributed in his rookie year. Ray Lewis won Super Bowl MVP honors, one of only two players ever to win the award as a linebacker (the other being Chuck Howley of the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl VI).
What Changed After the Super Bowl
The Ravens made the AFC Championship Game again in 2001 but lost to the New England Patriots. The team remained competitive through the 2000s but did not return to another Super Bowl until February 2013, when they won Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers (34–31), this time with Ray Lewis in his final season.
The 2000 championship remains the franchise's only title. Fans and local media still reference that season as the standard for defensive excellence in professional football, and replays of the Super Bowl are periodically broadcast on local stations during Ravens playoff runs.
Related Questions
When did the Ravens win their second Super Bowl? The Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34–31. It was Ray Lewis's final game before retirement.
Can I visit M&T Bank Stadium to see Ravens Super Bowl memorabilia? The Ravens stadium offers tours on non-game days; contact the team directly through their official website for current tour schedules, pricing, and availability, as hours and fees change seasonally.
Who is the Ravens' head coach now? For current coaching staff information, check the official Baltimore Ravens website, as staff changes occur regularly and current details are maintained only by the organization itself.
