Jonathan Ogden

Saturday, six men were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame: defensive linemen Chris Doleman and Cortez Kennedy, offensive tackle Willie Roaf, center Dermontti Dawson, running back Curtis Martin, and cornerback Jack Butler. Meanwhile, former coach Bill Parcells, running back Jerome Bettis, wide receiver Cris Carter, and defensive end Charles Haley were among the finalists who learned that their busts won't be bronzed this year. For those who were left out in 2012, the road to Canton won't get any smoother in 2013 . A bunch of strong Hall of Fame candidates will be eligible next year, including former Ravens left tackle and franchise cornerstone Jonathan Ogden.

Former Ravens offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden is considered a strong candidate to be part of the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. But before that, Ogden learned that he'll be enshrined into another Hall of Fame. The former UCLA star was one of 14 players to be selected for the College Hall of Fame. He'll be inducted in September. Ogden was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Bruins. In his final season at UCLA, Ogden was awarded the Outland Trophy, given to college football's top lineman, and named a unanimous first-team All-American.  He was then drafted by the Ravens with the fourth overall pick in the 1996 draft.

In case you missed the blog post I published 15 minutes ago , former Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden is auctioning himself off for charity. The highest bidder gets to host Ogden at their house for Sunday's game. Ogden regretfully informed me that he will not be bringing George Clooney or Stacy Keibler as his plus-one. “I wish I had George and Stacy to come with us. That would be huge,” said Ogden, who met the Hollywood star and his Baltimore-bred belle at the Ravens-Bengals game . “The bids would really be getting high then.” A photo Ogden took with Clooney -- and Clooney's bionic arm -- became an Internet sensation after the Ravens great was introduced to the Hollywood power couple in a luxury suite at M&T Bank Stadium two weeks ago. “He's kind of a big deal,” said the 6-foot-9 Ogden.

It's going to be interesting on draft day when the New York Jets are on the clock at No. 16, and then again before the Pittsburgh Steelers select at No. 24. According to several reports, the Jets want to select Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw and the Steelers like Crimson Tide inside linebacker Dont'a Hightower. Who doesn't? So, I imagine there will be some tense moments for general manager Ozzie Newsome and his staff Thursday night because either of these players could have a significant impact on the Ravens.

On Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that linebacker Ray Lewis, who has missed two straight games with a toe injury, was “probably the guy that's furthest away” from playing on Sunday among injured Ravens. “Ray has a sprained toe, turf toe kind of thing, so those are a little more unpredictable,” Harbaugh said. “I'm hopeful. I've used that word before. I think he's got a real good chance but we'll just have to see how it goes.” Ravens legend Jonathan Ogden, whose career was shortened by a toe injury, said Lewis shouldn't rush back.

Former Ravens offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden is considered a strong candidate to be part of the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. But before that, Ogden learned that he'll be enshrined into another Hall of Fame. The former UCLA star was one of 14 players to be selected for the College Hall of Fame. He'll be inducted in September. Ogden was a four-year starter at left tackle for the Bruins. In his final season at UCLA, Ogden was awarded the Outland Trophy, given to college football's top lineman, and named a unanimous first-team All-American.  He was then drafted by the Ravens with the fourth overall pick in the 1996 draft.

Ravens Pro Bowl left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden should retire. It's not that Ogden can't play at a high level anymore. In fact, he could play three or four more seasons and still be one of the best in the NFL. The problem is that Ogden is a perfectionist and is used to being the best. And when he isn't playing up to his expectations, it eats at him. At age 33, and after playing 12 pro seasons, Ogden can never meet his expectations again. What else is left for him to accomplish? He has made 11 Pro Bowls, won a Super Bowl and is possibly the best offensive lineman to ever play the game.

Want to get a rise out of the normally unflappable Jonathan Ogden? Bring up the toughness issue.Go ahead. Remind Ogden that, on the surface, he doesn't always act like an NFL offensive lineman. The same way those scouting reports hinted he wasn't mean enough to dominate at the professional level, before the Ravens chose him to be their cornerstone in last year's draft.Remind Ogden that he lacks the menacing persona commonly associated with the men in the trenches. He is too cheery during the week.

When Brett Favre officially retired that day in March in Green Bay, he drew a big crowd, much as Jonathan Ogden did yesterday in Owings Mills. Just like Favre's announcement, and like Michael Strahan's earlier this week, Ogden's farewell was carried live on national TV (in homes that get the NFL Network, at least). The same kinds of adjectives were showered on all of them - greatest, champion, never another like him. Vivid memories were recalled by those who played with him and who had the pleasure of watching him. The same deep sense of loss was expressed.

Even in his first practice as a rookie, Jonathan Ogden stood out. He was tall, lanky and shuffled his feet as he walked. He looked more like an NBA power forward than an offensive tackle. In fact, Ogden played guard his first season as a Raven. He ruined the crescendo of the offensive line, where it grows taller and bigger starting from the center and moving out to the tackles. There aren't too many 6-foot-9 guards. And there might never be another Jonathan Ogden. Often in sports, we compare players, but it's hard with Ogden and any other great offensive tackle.

Saturday, six men were elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame: defensive linemen Chris Doleman and Cortez Kennedy, offensive tackle Willie Roaf, center Dermontti Dawson, running back Curtis Martin, and cornerback Jack Butler. Meanwhile, former coach Bill Parcells, running back Jerome Bettis, wide receiver Cris Carter, and defensive end Charles Haley were among the finalists who learned that their busts won't be bronzed this year. For those who were left out in 2012, the road to Canton won't get any smoother in 2013 . A bunch of strong Hall of Fame candidates will be eligible next year, including former Ravens left tackle and franchise cornerstone Jonathan Ogden.

Terrell Suggs is usually known for castigating his opponents, especially a certain quarterback who plays for the New England Patriots. But the Ravens outside linebacker can also compliment opponents who have earned his respect, and Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas is apparently one of them. “I think he is definitely a top-three left tackle in the league right now,” Suggs said Wednesday. “It was an era where it was the Walter Joneses, the Willie Roafs, and of course the greatest ever, Jonathan Ogden.

On Monday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said that linebacker Ray Lewis, who has missed two straight games with a toe injury, was “probably the guy that's furthest away” from playing on Sunday among injured Ravens. “Ray has a sprained toe, turf toe kind of thing, so those are a little more unpredictable,” Harbaugh said. “I'm hopeful. I've used that word before. I think he's got a real good chance but we'll just have to see how it goes.” Ravens legend Jonathan Ogden, whose career was shortened by a toe injury, said Lewis shouldn't rush back.

Lee Evans , who made his first catch in more than two months in last week's 16-6 win over the San Francisco 49ers, says he is ready for whatever responsibilities the Ravens throw his way. On Monday, coach John Harbaugh said he plans on working Evans, who missed seven games with an ankle injury, into the team's two-receiver sets to spell Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith . "That's kind of the plan after being out for so long, to...

Have you ever wanted to watch a Ravens game with a (future) Hall-of-Famer? Jonathan Ogden is auctioning off an opportunity for the highest bidder to host the towering offensive tackle on Sunday afternoon when the Ravens hit the road to take on the Cleveland Browns. That's right; Ogden is coming over to watch the game. (Disclaimer: If you win the auction, you're going to need to run out and buy a bigger recliner, too.) All the money raised in the auction goes to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, and the auction ends this Wednesday at 1 p.m. You can find all the details about the Ogden charity auction by clicking on this link . I get a bunch of emails from public relations agencies who want me to promote events and products, but this should be of interest to Ravens fans, so I took the bait.

In case you missed the blog post I published 15 minutes ago , former Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden is auctioning himself off for charity. The highest bidder gets to host Ogden at their house for Sunday's game. Ogden regretfully informed me that he will not be bringing George Clooney or Stacy Keibler as his plus-one. “I wish I had George and Stacy to come with us. That would be huge,” said Ogden, who met the Hollywood star and his Baltimore-bred belle at the Ravens-Bengals game . “The bids would really be getting high then.” A photo Ogden took with Clooney -- and Clooney's bionic arm -- became an Internet sensation after the Ravens great was introduced to the Hollywood power couple in a luxury suite at M&T Bank Stadium two weeks ago. “He's kind of a big deal,” said the 6-foot-9 Ogden.

For 12 seasons, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden was a cornerstone of the Ravens franchise. As the first player drafted by the team in 1996, he dominated the best defensive linemen of his generation, protecting the blind side of countless quarterbacks with his massive wingspan and opening holes for running backs with bulldozing power. Now, the end has come for the man who was just as likely to have a novel in his hand as his playbook. Knowing a toe injury would hinder his All-Pro playing ability, Ogden told The Sun yesterday that he will officially announce his retirement at a news conference today, a long-awaited decision that ends the career of one of the NFL's greatest offensive linemen.

It wouldn't have been fair for Jonathan Ogden to leave the game for good last year, when his left big toe seemed to be making the decision for him. Then again, it's not that much more fair for him to be leaving now, accompanied by the stench of a 5-11 season. Of course, we're talking about the National Football League. "Fair" has nothing to do with it. Johnny Unitas' career ended as a San Diego Charger; several generations of superstars later, Jerry Rice's career ended just before being demoted to fourth receiver by the Denver Broncos in training camp.

Actor George Clooney, recovering from elbow surgery, suffered a setback Sunday afternoon — watching his beloved Bengals fall to the Ravens. Clooney accompanied his girlfriend actress Stacy Keibler, a Baltimore native, to M&T Bank Stadium to watch the match-up. "You kno its love when your boyfriend has elbow surgery 2 days ago and takes u to a #ravens game...especially when he's a Bengals fan," Keibler posted on Twitter after the game. Keibler, a former WWE star and Ravens cheerleader, and Clooney met up with former Ravens offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Looks like an injured George Clooney showed up at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday to watch the Ravens beat the Bengals, 31-24. Clooney is dating Baltimore native Stacey Keibler. Former Ravens offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden managed to stop by the suite where Clooney was sitting, and Tweeted a picture of the movie star.