For the past 16 seasons, the Baltimore Ravens have had arguably the most feared linebacker in the NFL, Ray Lewis. His passion for the game resembles old school players like Dick Butkus and Jack Lambert.
Since Ray has been in the league, he has instilled a sense of fear in his opponents that is indescribable. Whenever you play the Ravens, you better know where number 52 is lining up on every play, because if he goes unaccounted for, he will be sure to make the stop. At 36 years old, 6-foot-1, and 250 pounds, Lewis looks like he could play for another 5 years. Despite a toe injury this past season, Lewis was still able to lead the team in tackles with 95. In his career, he’s racked up 1,993 tackles, 40.5 sacks, 18 forced fumbles, and 31 interceptions. Known for his trash talk, high intensity, and huge hits, Ray Lewis has established himself as one of the most dominant linebackers to ever play.
After being drafted in the first round of the 1996 draft, Ray Lewis immediately made an impact in Baltimore. In his first season with the Ravens, Lewis played in 14 games and recorded 110 tackles. However, his next season would show the world what he was really made of when he reached an astounding 183 tackles.
In 2000, Lewis led Baltimore to Super Bowl XXXV where he was named MVP. In that same year, the Ravens had the top ranked defense in the league and allowed only 970 rushing yards all season. Lewis has only had 3 seasons where he recorded less than 100 tackles and in those 3 seasons he suffered injuries that cost him playing time.
During the offseason, Lewis puts himself through strenuous workouts, targeting every muscle group he can, and improving his cardio. For him, it’s crucial that he stay in the best shape possible in order to avoid injury and still produce at a high level.
After barely missing the Super Bowl this past season, there were many questions as to whether or not Ray Lewis would return. Lewis was quick to answer that question.
“Is this my last time as a Raven? Absolutely not. Let me answer that question before somebody asks me. Absolutely not. It’s just too much. Life offers too much. Every time you step on this field, it’s a true blessing.”
A dropped pass in the end zone by Lee Evans and a missed 32-yard field goal by Billy Cundiff were the only two things that stood between the Ravens and another chance at a Super Bowl. In Lewis’ mind he’s thinking, why leave now? With young superstars like Ray Rice, Terrell Suggs, and Haloti Ngata, Lewis sees no reason to walk away just yet.
Lewis has helped to build the Ravens into a tight knit family that will stick together no matter what. After the game Lewis backed up Joe Flacco and even protected Billy Cundiff from the media. After the loss in the AFC Championship, Lewis went on to say, “For us to be here now, I’m hungry again and I’m thirsty again. Every time you go through something like this, it has to drive you. I truly believe that’s the only thing that makes people great.”
Lewis’ AFC Championship Game Speech:
