If you’re standing in the middle of M&T Bank Stadium on a humid Sunday in Baltimore, you aren’t just looking at one bird. You’re looking at a legacy. Most casual fans think the name of the Ravens mascot is just "Poe," and while they aren't wrong, they’re missing about two-thirds of the story. It’s actually a bit of a trio situation—or at least it was for a long time.
NFL mascots are usually pretty straightforward. You've got a giant horse in Denver or a big cat in Jacksonville. But Baltimore? Baltimore went literary. When the Cleveland Browns moved to Maryland in 1996 and rebranded, the city didn't just pick a bird because it looked cool on a helmet. They leaned into the dark, moody vibes of Edgar Allan Poe, the legendary poet who died in Baltimore in 1849. Honestly, it’s one of the few times a professional sports team has successfully marketed 19th-century macabre poetry to a crowd of beer-drinking football fans.
The Original Trio: Edgar, Allan, and Poe
Back in the day, specifically from 1998 to 2008, there wasn't just one guy in a suit. There were three. This is where the name of the Ravens mascot gets slightly complicated for people who haven't been following the team since the Brian Billick era.
The team originally introduced three costumed brothers: Edgar, Allan, and Poe.
It was a brilliant bit of branding. Edgar was the big, physically imposing one, representing the "bruiser" mentality of the defense. Allan was the thin, quick bird, symbolizing the wide receivers and speedsters. Then you had Poe, the "everyman" mascot who was a bit rounder and more relatable. If you go back and look at old photos from the 2000 Super Bowl run, you’ll see them all out there.
Eventually, the team decided to simplify things. In 2008, Edgar and Allan were "retired," which is just mascot-speak for saying the team wanted to focus on a single identity. Since then, Poe has been the face of the franchise. He’s the one you see diving into the end zone or taunting opposing fans on the sidelines.
Poe’s Injury and the Rise of the Real Birds
Football is a violent sport. Apparently, that extends to the mascots too. During a preseason game in 2022, Poe actually suffered a serious "lower-body injury" during a mascot football game. It sounds funny until you realize a real person in a heavy suit actually got hurt. This led to a massive community "search" for a replacement, which eventually brought back the names we hadn't heard in years.
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But we can't talk about the name of the Ravens mascot without mentioning the actual ravens.
While Poe is the costumed character, the Ravens are one of the few teams in the league that employ live mascots. They are beautiful, massive, and honestly a little intimidating. Their names? Rise and Conquer.
These aren't your backyard crows. Rise and Conquer are African White-necked Ravens. They live at the Maryland Zoo and attend every home game. Seeing them fly across the stadium or sit on their handlers' gloves is a completely different experience than watching a guy in a plush suit do the "Chicken Dance." They represent the grit of Baltimore.
Why Poe Works When Others Don't
Let's be real: some mascots are nightmare fuel. (Looking at you, Gritty, though we love you anyway). Poe works because he manages to be approachable for kids while still maintaining that slightly "intense" look that fits the AFC North.
Think about the context.
- The team plays in a stadium nicknamed "The Bank."
- The colors are purple, black, and metallic gold.
- The entrance features literal flames and heavy metal music.
A goofy, smiling bird wouldn't fit. Poe has those heavy brows and that focused stare. He looks like he’s actually watching the game.
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The Edgar Allan Poe Connection
It’s worth noting that the fan base actually voted on these names. When the team was searching for an identity, the Baltimore Sun held a phone-in poll. Over 33,000 people voted. "Ravens" beat out "Marauders" and "Americans" by a landslide.
The poem The Raven provided the perfect blueprint. When you hear the name of the Ravens mascot, you're hearing a nod to a man who basically invented the modern detective story and lived a life as turbulent as a goal-line stand.
"Quoth the Raven 'Nevermore.'"
That line is everywhere in Baltimore. It's on t-shirts, it’s yelled after third-down stops, and it’s the reason Poe is the mascot. It gives the team a sense of history that other expansion or relocated teams often struggle to find.
Recent Changes and Mascot Evolutions
In 2023, after Poe's "recovery," the team actually leaned harder into the multiple-character vibe again. While Poe remains the primary, you’ll often see him joined by his brothers during special events. The team realized that the nostalgia for Edgar and Allan was too strong to ignore.
The name of the Ravens mascot is now effectively a brand in itself.
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It’s also interesting to see how the team handles the live birds vs. the costumed one. Rise and Conquer are treated like athletes. They have specific diets, training schedules, and they even "retire." The original live raven, Bause (named after a fan), passed away years ago, and the city mourned him like a veteran linebacker. It shows that in Baltimore, the mascot isn't just a marketing gimmick—it’s a member of the flock.
Practical Info for Fans Meeting Poe
If you're heading to a game and want to find the mascot, he’s usually roaming the sidelines near the end zones before kickoff.
- The Mascot Entrance: Poe usually leads the team out of the tunnel. It’s the best time for photos, but keep your distance—there’s a lot of pyrotechnics going on.
- The Maryland Zoo: If you want to see Rise and Conquer up close, don't wait for gameday. They are ambassadors at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. You can actually see them in a much calmer environment there.
- Appearances: You can actually book Poe for private events. It’s a huge business for the Ravens' marketing wing. He shows up at weddings, bar mitzvahs, and corporate parties.
Honestly, the way the Ravens have handled their mascot identity is a masterclass in local culture. They took a dark piece of literature and turned it into a kid-friendly but tough-as-nails icon. Whether you’re calling out for Poe, Edgar, or Allan, or just watching Rise and Conquer soar over the seats, you’re participating in a tradition that is uniquely Baltimore.
Next Steps for Ravens Fans
To truly appreciate the mascot's history, visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum on Amity Street. It’s small, but it gives you the context for why the team chose this identity in the first place. Additionally, check the Maryland Zoo’s schedule for "Raven Encounters" where handlers explain the biology of Rise and Conquer. Understanding the difference between a common crow and a raven will make those sideline appearances much more impressive.