Throughout the team’s history dating back to 1996, the Baltimore Ravens have always been known for their defensive prowess. Players such as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs fueled their defensive dominance over the years.
Defensive tackle Haloti Ngata played alongside the three previously mentioned legends after he was selected with the No. 12 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
Ngata was a five-time Pro Bowler (2009 – 2013) and was twice named a First-Team All-Pro (2010, 2011). He was named a Second-Team All Pro three times (2008, 2009, 2015).
In nine seasons as a Raven, Ngata posted 445 tackles and 25.5 sacks. However, much of his work and him impact on the game cannot be measured by the stat sheet. Often times, it was Ngata who kept two blockers occupied while Lewis had a free run to ball carriers.
Ngata’s elite athleticism was rare for the 6’ 4” and 340-pound defensive lineman. Despite playing in the trenches, Ngata only missed nine games in his career as a Raven. He played an integral role in Super Bowl XLVII when the Ravens won their second Lombardi Trophy.
Before being traded to the Detroit Lions, Ngata embedded himself within the Baltimore community through the Haloti Ngata Family Foundation, which has hosted events ranging from luaus to golf tournaments across the country.