Jonathan Ogden got the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony started the same way he played his brilliant 12-year career.
Easily, effortlessly, and effectively.
Thanking his presenter, Baltimore General Manager Ozzie Newsome, Ogden said that using the Ravens’ first ever draft pick on him instead of running back Lawrence Phillips was, in hindsight, the right call.
“I think that worked out for everybody,” Ogden joked.
Mostly, for the Ravens. Ogden was an 11-time Pro Bowler in 12 seasons, with six first-team All Pro nods.
Ogden also did a little stumping for the late Art Modell, saying he hoped to see the former Ravens owner voted into the Hall one day. That drew a mixed response from the crowd, as they were in Ohio, and not everyone in that corner of that particular state shares Ogden’s view considering the way the Ravens got to Baltimore.