The Baltimore Ravens are set to lose one of the NFL’S greatest guards of all time.
Marshal Yanda, 35, a veteran of 13 seasons, an eight-time Pro Bowler and a two-time First Team Pro has retired.
The 6ft 4in, 305lb offensive lineman who won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens in 2012, announced his retirement Tuesday. It `was made via his team, many of whom then went to the social media to heap praise on his broad shoulders
A third-time draft pick in 2007, Yanda was still one of the Ravens king-pins this year when they reached the divisional finals of the NFL playoffs with a league-best 14-2. They also finished with the NFL record for rushing yards in a season
Yanda influenced Jackson
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had a stunning year on his way to earning the NFL’s regular season MVP award. Many believe that Yanda was a major influence in Jackson’s success.
To Yanda’s great disappointment, the Ravens inexplicably lost their Divisional battle against surprise upstarts the Tennessee Titans. There has been some speculation that it was this defeat helped Yanda make up his mind about retiring.
Rightly or wrongly, his quitting is going to come as a major blow to the Ravens. He was one of their most greatly respected leaders on the field. He was also regarded as one of their most stabilizing dressing room forces over the past dozen years.
Yanda’s career highlights and awards
- Won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens in 2012
- 8 x Pro Bowler (2011-2016, 2018, 2019
- 2 x First-Team All-Pro (2014, 2015)
- 5 x Second-team All Pro (2011, 2016, 2018, 2019
- PFWA All-Rookie team (2007)
NFL Career Stats
- Games played 177
- Games started 166
- Fumble recoveries 8
Forever a Raven.
After 13 incredible seasons, Marshal Yanda is calling it a career. pic.twitter.com/rMCIfJZoFm
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) March 10, 2020