Ray Lewis is widely considered to be one of the best linebackers in NFL history. Linebackers in general are a pretty tough bunch of guys and Ray Lewis is one of the toughest ever. He was drafted in the first round in 1996 by the Baltimore Ravens and has remained with the Ravens throughout his entire NFL career.
Now, after only 13 trips to the Pro Bowl, Lewis has announced that he will be hanging up his helmet at the end of this current season. He announced to his team mates via twitter that “this will be my last ride”. Lewis is arguably one of the best middle linebackers ever to play football and his presence on the field will surely be missed.
So, the wild card game against the Colts on Sunday could well be the final home appearance for Lewis after 17 years with the Ravens organization in Baltimore.
While it remains possible for the Ravens to return to M&T Bank Stadium this year, the odds are against it happening as the Ravens are up against some pretty stiff competition in post season play this year.
But, Ray Lewis is not expecting it to be over after this weekend. “Wherever it ends it ends,” Lewis said. “But I didn’t come back to be eliminated in the first round”.
The Ravens will be facing the Indianapolis Colts who are now coached by Chuck Pagano who used to be the defensive coordinator for the Colts and knows Ray Lewis very well indeed. Pagan’s return to the field has been an inspirationally lifting factor to the Colts which is difficult to figure into your odds calculations.
We can expect a lot of noise and an overwhelming welcome for Lewis when he takes the field in Baltimore on Sunday afternoon. He a well known and much beloved member of the Ravens team and is famous for his introduction dance and the great energy he always brings to the playing field.
In the words of Colts coach Chuck Pagano, “Obviously Ray Lewis is a first ballot NFL Hall of Famer, we all know what he has done on and off the football field. Like everyone who’s had an opportunity to be around the guy, we’ll cherish that for the rest of our lives”. High praise for a great football player.
