Drafted fifth overall in 2000 from Tennessee, Jamal Lewis was brought to Baltimore as the primary running back. With a unique blend of 240-pound power and track speed, Lewis established a strong rushing identity for the franchise, leading the offense during a championship period focused on a dominant defense.

Lewis was a formidable power runner who wore down defenses through relentless physicality. Instead of dodging behind the line of scrimmage, he charged downhill, planting his cleats and powerfully driving through arm tackles. Once past the second level, he had explosive speed, making him capable of turning short-yardage dives into long touchdown runs.

Lewis made an immediate impact as a rookie in 2000, taking over the lead running back position and rushing for 1,364 yards and six touchdowns. He became an essential player in the postseason, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown in Super Bowl XXXV, becoming the youngest player to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl. After injuring his ACL and missing the entire 2001 season, Lewis returned in 2002, resuming his strong performance with 1,327 rushing yards and six touchdowns.

His masterpiece came in 2003, marking one of the most outstanding rushing seasons in football history. Notably, he set an NFL single-game record with 295 yards against Cleveland in Week 2. Throughout that season, Lewis carried the ball 387 times, amassing 2,066 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He was only the fifth player in league history to surpass 2,000 yards, earning his first Pro Bowl selection, First-Team All-Pro honors, and the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

Despite facing injuries and off-field legal problems in 2004, Lewis managed to surpass 1,000 yards (1,006 yards) in only 12 games. He achieved another 1,000-yard season in 2006 with 1,132 yards and 9 touchdowns, contributing significantly to Baltimore's 13-3 record and division win in the AFC North.

After the 2006 season, Lewis joined the division rival Cleveland Browns, achieving his fifth and final 1,000-yard rushing season in 2007 before retiring after the 2009 season. During his time in Baltimore, he played 91 regular-season games, rushing for 7,801 yards, adding 1,265 receiving yards, and scoring 47 total touchdowns. His 7,801 rushing yards still stand as the franchise record. In 2021, the Baltimore Ravens honored Lewis by inducting him into their Ring of Honor.