The Ravens drafted Peter Boulware in the first round (fourth-overall) of the 1997 NFL Draft – the beginning of what would be an exceptional and record-setting career for him in Baltimore. The tenacious linebacker is the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks with 70, and he constantly provided pressure on the quarterback, earning an AFC-best 15 sacks in 2001. The four-time Pro Bowler (1998-99, 2002-03) was also named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year (1997).
Career Highlights
- Remains No. 1 in the Ravens’ record book for sacks, with a franchise-best 70 over his career
- Won the Ed Block Courage Award after playing the 1999 season in a shoulder harness to support his dislocated shoulder.
- Had one of the most proficient sack totals ever for a rookie (11.5), which at the time was the eighth-best first-year total since sacks became an official stat in 1982. The total was the most for any Ravens defender in 1997 and third in the AFC.
- In his nine-year career, Boulware led the defense in sacks three times (1997, 2001-02) and finished second four times (1998-2000, 2003).
- Was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week two times in his career (1999 and 2001 seasons)
- Had a prolific rookie season, being named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year by the AP, Pro Football Weekly, Football Digest, College & Pro Football Weekly, as well as being named a second alternate to the Pro Bowl and to All-Rookie teams by Pro Football Weekly, College & Pro Football Weekly, Football News and Football Digest’s All-NFL second team
