Around the NFL: Players, coaches on Ogden's retirement

5:30 PM EDT, June 12, 2008

Reaction from around the NFL on the retirement of Ravens offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden:

"Jonathan is, without a doubt, a Hall of Fame player who is one of the very best left tackles in NFL history. We couldn't beat him with speed rushers, and he would just engulf power rushers. Those long arms, the great feet, the strength -- he has it all." -- former Pittsburgh Steelers coach and current CBS analyst Bill Cowher.

"From the very first practice I saw Jonathan, you knew you were next to greatness. I'm not sure he made five mistakes his entire first season." -- former Ravens assistant head coach, offense and current University of Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz.

"It was always a battle out there with him. I knew I had to bring my 'A' game because he was going to bring his." -- Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney.

"One thing I would say about Jonathan Ogden is that I would always see him reading books. He always had a book in his hand, and it was some Star Wars trilogy-type book. He read all the time, and we always knew that there was a lot more to him." -- former Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes.

"He is the type of player who made those around him better, and he was a joy to game-plan around. Conversely, coaching against J.O., you knew your player was going to be in an uphill battle every snap against Jon." -- Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis.

"Jonathan is one of the all-time best ever to play the position. He always made me play at the highest of my abilities -- otherwise he would embarrass me." -- Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter.

"He's one of the best of the best. He was always a class act on the field and one of my favorites to go against because you had to be so prepared to play him. You knew that he was working hard, which forced you to step your game up, so he would bring out the best in me. He worked so hard every day of his career and was an absolute neutralizer on their offensive line." -- former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Simeon Rice.

"I'm thankful he wasn't playing when I played. ... On the field, he just knocked people around and played with a mean streak." -- Hall of Fame linebacker and San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach¸defense Mike Singletary.

-- Compiled by the Baltimore Ravens

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