Echoes of Ray Lewis’ voice can be heard throughout M&T Bank Stadium as he gives his team a speech that will spark them to play with everything they have. Lewis wears his heart on his sleeve and makes his team believe in something bigger than themselves. After playing in the NFL for 17 years, Lewis will play his final game in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers, forever leaving his mark on a franchise that has been with him since the beginning.
Since the start of the 2012-13 season, Lewis has told his teammates that they have something really special, with depth in all areas of their team ranging from veterans to rookies. Through his eyes, this team is similar to the 2000 Raven’s roster that helped earn him his Super Bowl XXXV ring. Lewis knows that this will be his last game, but is choosing not to think about it. In a short 2-minute interview Lewis said “It is going to be a great day period, no matter what happens.” He is more focused on studying his playbook and keeping his teammates “focused on the real prize,” winning the 2013 Super Bowl.
But it is Lewis’ final game and looking back on his career, he is a lock as a future Hall of Famer. Widely regarded as one of the best to play his position, Lewis always took care of business on the field. He played in a total 228 NFL games and managed to rack up a total of 1,567 solo tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 31 interceptions. The fact that he has been invited to the Pro Bowl 13 times and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice, in addition to his Super Bowl MVP from 2000 solidify his elite status.
Ray Lewis is not just an exceptional player, but he also is an extraordinary human being. Lewis created the Ray Lewis Family Foundation (RLFF) alongside his mother, better known as Ms. Buffy, which has been going strong for 11 years. The organization looks to provide economic assistance to families and youth in need with a special focus on creating a sense of unity within Baltimore, Maryland.
Fans are also top priorities for Lewis. He has his own Facebook page which allows fans to connect with him and he constantly updates his twitter account, @raylewis. He has repeatedly thanked his fans for the love and respect they have showed him even through the tough times in his career. He even makes a point of writing ” love, Ray” after all of his thanks you messages which symbolizes his genuine sincerity and connection to fans. If he does win a second Super Bowl ring on Sunday, he will surely be thanking his fans right after the game.
Lewis’ strong emphasis on God has shaped who he is and will continue to shape him after his NFL career. You see him praying on the field and thanking God after the Ravens win a game, which will be no different if the Ravens pull off a Super Bowl victory. As Lewis says “try getting in the passenger seat and let God be in the driver seat,” which is what he will do come game time, when he will play his heart out not only for God, but for his family, friends, and fans.
