Future Hall of Famer Inspired Baltimore Ravens Star DT

On a Baltimore Ravens team loaded with breakout players, no one took a bigger step forward last season than defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

A third-round pick in 2020 out of Texas A&M, Madubuike was largely a rotation player with just 8.5 sacks in his first three seasons. In 2023, however, he became a bona fide star with 13 sacks, which not only shattered his career high but also led all defensive tackles in the NFL. Madubuike was given a much better opportunity with other players departing, and he took full advantage.

Now that Madubuike has arrived on the scene and landed a four-year, $98 million extension this offseason, the pressure is on to maintain that level of play. To help manage those expectations, Madubuike is turning to the greatest defensive tackle of all time, the recently retired Aaron Donald.

“He’s one of the greatest players of all time. Honestly, when I came in as a rookie, I didn’t want to be ‘like him,’ but play like him in the sense of just being a great player and being a known player in this league. It added that focus,” Madubuike told reporters Saturday. “I guess you could say year after year I’ve gotten better and it’s worked. I’ve still got a long way to go to be mentioned in the same sentence as him in terms of my play, but I’m determined and willing and I’m just going to take it one day at a time.”

An eight-time All-Pro and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Donald needs no introduction to anyone who follows the NFL. Perhaps more surprising is that Madubuike has been compared to the longtime Los Angeles Rams star, setting the bar extremely high.

Madubuike also sets very high standards for himself, and while he doesn’t necessarily expect to have more sacks than last year, he at least wants to be in the ballpark.

“It’s definitely double digits, for sure. I know I’m that type of player. I know I have high expectations for myself and I have to live up to them. You just have to take it one day at a time. Stay present and work hard.”

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