Marshal Yanda Awaits Pro Football Hall of Fame Decision

CANTON, Ohio — Former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Marshal Yanda is on the brink of football immortality as he awaits the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 announcement Thursday night. Yanda, 40, is one of 15 modern-era finalists and one of five in their first year of eligibility, alongside former teammate Terrell Suggs.

“It’s pretty crazy and it’s obviously humbling,” Yanda told Baltimoreravens.com in December. “I have zero expectations. So going into it, I’m just very grateful.”

Yanda’s journey to the NFL began at North Iowa Area Community College, where he played two seasons before earning a last-minute scholarship to the University of Iowa. Drafted by the Ravens in the third round in 2007, Yanda quickly became a cornerstone of Baltimore’s offensive line, starting 12 games as a rookie.

By his fifth season, Yanda solidified his role as the starting right guard, earning eight Pro Bowl selections in nine seasons and first-team All-Pro honors in 2014 and 2015. He was also named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and played a pivotal role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2012.

Reflecting on his career, Yanda said, “I was sitting in junior college in the fall of 2004. Three years later, I’m starting an NFL game for the Ravens. Less than 1% make it to Division 1, let alone start on D-1, let alone be a starter in the NFL, then have a heck of an NFL career and be in the Ring of Honor for the Ravens.”

Yanda retired in 2020 after 13 seasons, all with the Ravens, leaving behind a legacy of consistency and excellence. He is now one of several Ravens legends up for Hall of Fame consideration this year, including Suggs, Steve Smith Sr., and Willie Anderson.

“One of my most common questions I get is, ‘What was it like playing with Ray Lewis?'” Yanda said. “But it’s like, man, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata – all those guys. They were unreal guys that I got to play with, and what we did on offense. There’s a reason why the Ravens are who they are and why they’re competitive every year.”

If inducted, Yanda would join former Ravens Jonathan Ogden, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed in the Hall of Fame. The announcement will be made during the NFL Honors ceremony Thursday night.