Ravens’ Ogden ends stellar 12-year career

OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Jonathan Ogden will announce his retirement today, ending a stellar career with the Baltimore Ravens in which the left offensive tackle garnered 11 Pro Bowl invitations and a Super Bowl ring.

Ogden, who turns 34 next month, told friends he won’t return for a 13th season. The 6-foot-9, 345-pounder has been bothered by an hyperextended toe since December 2006.

Ogden arrived at the team’s training complex Wednesday to confirm his decision and solidify plans for a news conference this morning.

“I’m all right. I’m good with it,” Ogden said of his retirement before meeting with team officials.

Ogden played in a career-low 11 games last year and did not participate in the Pro Bowl because of the bothersome big toe on his left foot. He did not participate in the team’s off-season workouts.

“That toe injury, I had it once. I know it’s got to be emotionally draining on him,” quarterback Kyle Boller said Wednesday.

Ogden was the first player drafted by the Ravens after the team left Cleveland in 1996. Plucked out of UCLA as the fourth overall pick, Ogden played left guard in his first season before finding a home at left tackle, the most important position on the offensive line.

He was named to the Pro Bowl in every season after his rookie year. He provided protection from the blindside for a variety of Baltimore QBs, beginning with Vinny Testaverde and including Trent Dilfer, who helped the Ravens defeat the New York Giants in the 2001 Super Bowl.

“It was a blessing. To know I wasn’t going to get touched on the left side was huge,” Boller said. “I’m going to miss him.”

Ogden had an influence on virtually everyone who played for the Ravens over the past 12 years.

“In the huddle and at the line of scrimmage, there’s nobody else I would rather have standing next to me than J.O.,” said tight end Todd Heap, now in his eighth season with Baltimore. “The guy was the smartest guy I’ve ever been around.”