Legendary 75 Section | **Jonathan Ogden Bio**
We asked Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, president Dick Cass and a cast of current players and coaches about their thoughts of retired offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden.
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti
"Jonathan represents the best of the Ravens, the best of Baltimore and the best in the NFL. His playing credentials speak for themselves. But, beyond his dominance at left tackle, he is a man who helps make the community better, who was an outstanding teammate and mentor to the young players, and a person you are proud to call a friend."
Ravens QB Kyle Boller
"First, it was an honor to play with him. Some say he's the best left tackle ever. That's for others to decide. I know I never worried about the back side with him over there. He's a great guy and the best teammate. I'll miss him on the field, but I look forward to competing with him on the golf course."
Ravens president Dick Cass
"When the Ravens came to Baltimore in 1996, we as an organization were extremely fortunate to have the first draft choice in our history be someone of Jonathan's stature and character. Not only did he redefine the position of left tackle in the NFL; he also set the standard for what it means to be a Baltimore Raven. Baltimore will long remember Jonathan because of both his Hall of Fame career on the field and his commitment to our City off the field. Years from now, when Baltimore is talking about its greatest sports legends, Jonathan will be part of that discussion, along with Cal Ripken, Johnny Unitas and Ray Lewis."
Ravens DT Kelly Gregg
"No doubt, he's the best player I have ever played with. Not only that, he's also one of the best people I've ever known. On the football field, whether it was at practice or in a game, I just enjoyed watching him go to work. He's the greatest tackle to ever play the game. He had the best footwork and hands of anybody. He was also as strong as an ox. And, all the strength was matched with great technique. He could be facing the top defensive end in football, and it didn't matter at all – he'd shut that guy down. Your quarterback never had to worry. My favorite memory of J.O. is watching him signal first down on the big video boards in the stadium. He was a spark. He was a true leader. It didn't matter if you were a fan or a player, you couldn't help but be in awe of what he did."
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh
"Yes, we did recruit Jonathan to play another season. Why wouldn't we? He's a Hall of Fame player. It would have been a privilege to coach him. I've heard so many good things about him as a person and player from people in the Ravens. We do respect his decision, and thank him for, at least, listening to us and thinking about coming back. In the end, he knows his body the best. Every coach and player in the league is aware of how good Jonathan played. He was a difference maker."
Ravens GM and Executive Vice President Ozzie Newsome
"In my 30 years as a player, coach and evaluator, no one played his position better than Jonathan. When you start a franchise, your foundation better be sturdy. Jonathan certainly was a key to our first steps. He's a rock that we built on."
Ravens ILB Ray Lewis
"I've always felt special and privileged to come to the team the same time Jon came. And, when people ask me about my career, I'll tell them about how I played with the Hall of Fame left tackle. We all touched glory with him as a teammate, and he helped us touch glory with the Super Bowl and the other great victories we achieved with him. Oh my, those skills he has, those long arms on that huge frame, the fastest feet. A lot of times he was faster than our running backs. He is a once in a lifetime player, but he's a humble man willing to help others. If they made a movie about him, there would be no one to play him. There's only one J.O."
Ravens WR Derrick Mason
"Playing with J.O. was good for me, because I got an opportunity to see a guy be a leader without having to say anything. He was a guy who earned respect not just from the people in this organization, but throughout the whole league. When you talk about the greatest offensive lineman to ever play the game, he's in the top two or three. He might be the best to ever play the game, given his sheer size, strength and ability to play left tackle. All I can say now, like I'll say 20 years from now, is, 'Hey, I played with that guy. Absolutely amazing.'"
Legendary 75 Section | **Jonathan Ogden Bio**
