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BALTIMORE — The Baltimore Ravens are the biggest sports team in Maryland, and they’re one of the most talented football teams on the entire East Coast. Between noteworthy contemporary players like Lamar Jackson and the legendary Ray Lewis, there has been a wealth of popular athletes on the Ravens’ past and present rosters. With the Super Bowl just a week away, we’ve put together a list of fun facts about the Baltimore Ravens that even dedicated fans might not know.
False rumor has it that Keanu Reeves was offered a spot on the Baltimore Ravens team
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Filming for Keanu Reeves’ movie “The Replacements” was conducted in Baltimore. While filming, legend has it that Reeves was so talented and knowledgeable that the Baltimore Ravens may have offered the actor a chance to try out for the team, though this rumor is often regarded as unreal or a simple joke, especially after Reeves himself denounced it.
Regardless, the fact remains that Keanu Reeves offered a very realistic representation of a quarterback through his portrayal of the fictional character Shane Falco. Even if Reeves wasn’t actually offered a chance at football stardom, the movie was filmed at PSINet Stadium, which is now M&T Bank Stadium, so Reeves has a close connection to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens are a popular football team across America, and Reeves’ work offers a glimpse into the Baltimore team’s home stadium.
The Ravens Once Existed as a Baltimore Basketball Organization
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The name of the Baltimore Ravens was once held by a wheelchair basketball team and organization that was founded in 1972 and has since rebranded as the Maryland Ravens. Led by Eddie Diggs, the Maryland Ravens state that their organization offers “the most intense and finest basketball instruction to the athletes there is. Working on drills, team interaction, and court strategies, we provide our athletes the opportunity to truly get to understand and enjoy what it means to play basketball,” according to their website.
The organization’s mission is to provide opportunities and training to physically challenged youth throughout the state, promoting athletics to people of all backgrounds. The Maryland Ravens even won a national championship in 2006, proving their prowess on the court.
The Baltimore Ravens many know today were founded in 1996, leading the original Ravens basketball team to change its name.
The “Ravens” Honors Edgar Allan Poe
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Edgar Allan Poe’s influence on Baltimore is undeniable, and it’s possibly most evident through the name of the Ravens football team. The name was initially inspired by Poe’s well-known poem, “The Raven.”
Poe lived in Baltimore until his death in 1849. The popular poet worked in Baltimore and was buried in the city after his passing. A poll conducted by The Baltimore Sun contributed to the naming process, and after more than 22,000 people voted for “Ravens,” the official title was announced.
The Baltimore Ravens name is rich with history, and its purple color is known far and wide.
The Marching Ravens Are the Largest Band in the NFL
Photo Credit: Seth Sawyers/Commons.wikimedia.org/Hampden Christmas Parade
Halftime shows are an integral part of the NFL, and marching bands are a popular act. In 2026, the Marching Ravens are one of the largest musical organizations in the NFL.
Every home game for the Baltimore Ravens features a pregame performance by the band, consisting of more than 100 members. Interestingly, the Marching Ravens originally existed as a marching band for the Colts.
The Marching Ravens often perform a concert after the team’s home games, too, offering another chance to hear their music.
The Ravens Are the Quickest Team to Win a Super Bowl After Being Founded
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Two Super Bowls have been won by the Baltimore Ravens, succeeding for the first time in 2001 and again in 2013. The Ravens are one of only a few teams that have won multiple Super Bowls without ever losing an appearance at the event.
Another fun fact about the Ravens’ history is that they’re the quickest team to achieve success at the Super Bowl following their inception, having been founded in 1996 and winning their first championship in 2001.
Between their victory against the New York Giants in 2001 and their win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, the Baltimore Ravens have enjoyed considerable success over their 30-year history.
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