Originally drafted in the seventh round of the 1993 NFL Draft by Seattle, Michael McCrary joined the Ravens in 1997 as a free agent. Playing with a nonstop motor and violent, high-energy effort, he became the ultimate edge-setting motor for Baltimore's burgeoning defense, establishing a template for how a Ravens pass rusher should play.

McCrary did not possess the extensive length typical of conventional pass rushers; however, he compensated through effective leverage, a rapid initial burst, and an indefatigable motor. He employed a swift, forceful bull rush—transitioning from speed to power—to drive offensive tackle pads directly into the pocket. In the rushing game, he established a firm, unrelenting edge, sacrificing his body to disrupt pull blocks and redirect interior cutbacks toward Baltimore's linebackers.

Following a strong 9.0-sack season in his rookie year at Maryland in 1997, McCrary had a remarkable 1998. He recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks and 72 total tackles, leading Baltimore's defensive line and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He maintained this level in 1999, recording 11.5 sacks and earning his second straight Pro Bowl appearance.

McCrary was a cornerstone of the historic 2000 defense, starting all 16 regular-season games and tallying 6.5 sacks for a unit that allowed an NFL-record low of 165 points. He elevated his play in the postseason, adding 6.0 playoff sacks—including 2.0 sacks in a dominant 34–7 victory in Super Bowl XXXV.

In 2001, his off-field leadership and extensive charitable contributions earned him the prestigious Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award (now the Alan Page Community Award).

Battling severe knee injuries, McCrary gut-checked his way through his final games before retiring prior to the 2003 season. Across six seasons in Baltimore (1997–2002), he played in 78 regular-season games, compiling 51.0 sacks, 288 tackles, seven forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries.