Steelers Nemesis Ed Reed Endorsed Former Safety Ryan Clark As A Hall Of Famer

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens rivalry is one of the most intense and storied rivalries in professional sports. This fierce competition has consistently delivered hard-hitting, high-stakes defensive football that has captured the hearts of fans and pundits alike for decades.

In 2005, Sports Illustrated recognized the significance of the Steelers-Ravens rivalry by ranking it as the second-best NFL rivalry in their list of "Top 10 New NFL Rivalries." This acknowledgment was just the beginning, as the rivalry continued to grow in intensity and importance.

By 2015, Bleacher Report elevated the Steelers-Ravens rivalry even further, designating it as the number one rivalry in the entire NFL. This coveted ranking highlighted the enduring nature of this fierce competition and solidified its place in football history.

Historical Series And Playoff Showdowns

The historical series between the Steelers and the Ravens has been closely contested, with the Steelers leading the overall series with a record of 34–25. When it comes to postseason matchups, the Steelers have maintained a decisive advantage, holding a 3–1 record against their rivals in the playoffs.

What makes this rivalry even more compelling is that both teams in the AFC North have tasted Super Bowl success. The Steelers boast an impressive six Super Bowl titles, while the Ravens have secured two championships. Remarkably, both franchises have added two Super Bowl victories each since their intense rivalry began, underscoring their championship pedigree. They are the only two teams in the AFC North to have won a Super Bowl.

One of the most enduring moments in this fierce rivalry involved Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs allegedly placing a "bounty" on the head of Steelers wide receiver, Hines Ward. It's worth noting that Suggs later clarified that his remarks were intended as a joke, devoid of any malicious intent. The NFL conducted a thorough investigation, ultimately clearing Suggs of any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, this incident has left a lasting mark in the annals of this rivalry's history.

Former Steelers Safety Ryan Clark's Perspective

Former Steelers safety Ryan Clark, who played a pivotal role in this rivalry, recently shared his perspective on the intense battles with the Ravens on his social media platform. He emphasized the physicality of the games and the mutual respect that defined the rivalry.

"The Steelers-Ravens rivalry will never be matched. The physicality of those games played out as hate, but in truth, it was about respect. We walked into each of those games both thinking we were the best defense on the planet, and knowing that the only way to prove it was to outplay the only other team that could lay claim to that title. The difference was razor-thin, and one mistake could cost your team the championship. There was a healthy fear associated with every play. More than anything, we knew those black & purple jerseys were littered with defensive Hall of Famers; after a while, we learned they felt the same way."

Among one of the most terrifying forces in this rivalry was Ravens safety Ed Reed. Reed's induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 showcased his exceptional career and impact on the game. Known for his ability to deliver hard hits, intercept passes and return them for touchdowns, Reed was a game-changer on the field.

Ed Reed's Endorsement