Lucas Englert

Staff Writer

    “Father Time”, is a word that all athletes hate to hear but they do in fact know that it will eventually end their career. However, there are the certain special players that can stay at the top of the game long enough to retire in their prime, making fans beg to see them play just one more year. This is the case at this moment in time with Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis, who has decided to call it quits after 17 seasons in the National Football League. Though very few who have played the game have been given the title legend, it’s safe to say that Ray Lewis is the exact definition of that. He will go down as one of the greatest middle linebackers of all time. Lewis was drafted in the 1st Round of the 1996 NFL draft by the Ravens in their first year of existence, and is sometimes referred to as the Original Raven.

    In only his second NFL season Ray had already become a Pro Bowler. By 1999, he was a consensus First Team All Pro player. The following years from 2000 to 2001 was probably the most interesting of his life. After a party in early 2000, Ray was accused of murder. He reached a plea deal, just getting charged with obstruction of justice. Lewis became a better man from that rough situation and in the next season he won not only the Defensive Player of the Year, but the one and only Super Bowl of his career.

    His career and leadership since then has been nothing short of magnificent. He will end his football days with 13 Pro Bowl selections, 7 All-Pro First Team Selections, the Super Bowl XXXV MVP, 2,050 tackles, and 31 interceptions. The way he leads his team will be missed by his teammates and the fans, as he is widely known as one of the most passionate football players, and best motivators to ever touch the field. That being said I want to thank you Ray Lewis for the show and effort you have brought us fans. The Baltimore Ravens and pre game dances will NEVER be the same without you.