Joe Flacco has insisted that he is now the leader of the Baltimore Ravens.

Ray Lewis was previously seen as the voice of the team, but the linebacker retired following the AFC North side's Super Bowl win in February.

The 28-year-old told the team's website: "I am the leader. Whether you believe that or not plays into what you think my personality is. I think I'm born to be a leader. I think that's why I play quarterback. I think that's why we have a good team.

"My first job was to come in here and prove to everybody that I could play. I didn't want to come in here and act like a big shot."

Linebacker Terrell Suggs added: "I would say it's Joe. A lot of us have been here, and out of eleven years, I didn't get a ring until he got here. So I'll say it's him."

The Ravens have reached the playoffs every year since drafting Flacco in 2008.