Ray Lewis, one of the GREATEST inside linebackers of all time announced his retirement today. I am pretty sure that the Ravens fans most of all will miss him the most. I say this because they are in his town and had the pleasure to see him up close. This statement is also directed towards those die hard fans that traveled just to see him play. Ray was drafted into the NFL in 1996 in the first round as the number 26 overall pick for the Baltimore Ravens, the team that he has played for his whole career. Lewis played for the Miami Hurricanes before entering the draft.
Throughout his career, Ray has played in 13 pro-bowls, been named to the All-Pro first team seven times, and he was the All-Pro defensive player of the year for the year of 2000 which he also won Super Bowl MVP the same year, and the year of 2003. Lewis is now back in the line-up after tearing his triceps two months ago. The Ravens will host the Indianapolis Colts in a wild-card game this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in a wild-card game for the playoffs. "It's time for me to create a new legacy" Lewis said in a statement. "I talked to my team today" " I talked to them about life in general, and everything that starts has an end. For me, today I told my team that this will be my last ride"
For his teammates and coach, I am sure that they were dreading this day. The Ravens with no Ray Lewis just doesn't sound right. For football fans such as myself, it's going to take a while before anyone gets used to not seeing him on the field. Ray was inspirational, motivational, and he became the leader of the team. It is understandable that he now wants to take this time and support his children in their endeavors. He stated "My children has made the ultimate sacrifice for 17 years""Now it's my turn to give them something back" Ray Lewis will indeed be in the hall-of-fame, he made his mark in the NFL, and he has gained many fans. From the NFL nation across the world, we would like to say thank you and there will NEVER be another Ray Lewis. Can't wait to see him on Sunday!
