Which Baltimore Ravens linebacker is on the Madden NFL 2005 cover?

The Baltimore Ravens linebacker on the Madden NFL 2005 cover is Ray Lewis.

Released in 2004, Madden NFL 2005 placed a defensive player on its cover to support the game’s “Fear the D” emphasis. Lewis was an especially fitting choice: the Baltimore Ravens linebacker was the emotional and tactical leader of one of the NFL’s strongest defenses, known for sideline intensity, film study, and hard-hitting play.

The game introduced or expanded defensive mechanics such as the Hit Stick and defensive Playmaker controls, giving users more influence before and during a play. That focus distinguishes it from several neighboring editions led by offensive stars, including Marshall Faulk in Madden NFL 2003 and Vince Young in Madden NFL 08. Madden NFL 2005 was also the first title in the series to support Xbox Live, and it sold more than four million copies during its release year. Lewis later won Super Bowl MVP with Baltimore in the 2000 season.