Ravens Eight-Time Pro Bowler Marshal Yanda Decides to Retire

Marshal Yanda during Titans v Ravens game in January 2020. Photo by Dave Shopland/BPI/Shutterstock (10520578bq)

The Baltimore Ravens will have big shoes to fill after guard Marshal Yanda decided to call it quits on Tuesday. Yanda played all 13 seasons with the Ravens earning himself eight Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl win. Yanda, Alan Faneca, and Larry Allen are the only three guards to have the distinction of making it to eight Pro Bowls along with a championship ring.

Yanda was a third-round pick in 2007, but was not the most sought after draft pick as there were nine offensive linemen drafted before him. His toughness and grit is what enabled him to put in the effort and become one of the best guards of the past decade.

Yanda pondered retirement last year but stayed long enough to help the Ravens break the single season team record in rushing yards (3,296). Known as a powerful run blocker and sometimes shoving 3 defenders out of the way on a run, Yanda was the leader of the offensive line on a Ravens squad known for their outstanding defense.

Baltimore will have a lot to replace this offseason both in terms of team leadership and on the line if they want to continue their dominant running game.

Shmuel grew up in Pittsburgh during the rough times of the Pirate's streak of 20 losing seasons. In between baseball, football, and going to school, his passion is finding the most interesting weekend hikes and getaways.