RAY LEWIS | bmoresportsnest

BALTIMORE RAVEN RAY LEWIS--2018 HOF,13x PRO-BOWLER

Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. (born May 15, 1975) is a former American football linebacker who played his entire 17-year career for the Baltimore Ravens of theNational Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Miami, and earned All-America honors. Drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 1996, Lewis was the last active player from the team's inaugural season.

Playing middle linebacker his entire career, Lewis is considered one of the greatest ever to play the position. Lewis was selected to 13 Pro Bowls and named an Associated Press All-Pro 10 times. He is also thought to be the greatest Baltimore Ravens player of all time. He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2003, becoming the sixth player to win the award multiple times. Lewis was also the second linebacker to win the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award and the first to win the award on the winning Super Bowl team. Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in connection with the stabbing deaths of two men in 2000.

After a triceps tear that sidelined him for most of the 2012–13 season, Lewis returned for the Ravens playoff run and a victory in Super Bowl XLVII.

On March 13, 2013, it was announced that Lewis would join ESPN as a contributor for their NFL coverage.

Lewis enrolled in the University of Miami, where he was a member of the Miami Hurricanes football team.

In his sophomore season, Lewis earned first-team All-American and All-Big East honors. Lewis led the Big East with 153 tackles and also contributed nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and an interception for a Hurricanes team that had the nation's top-ranked defense and finished No. 6 in both the writers' and coaches' polls.

Lewis's junior campaign was even more successful, as he was again named to the All-American and All-Big East teams, and finished as runner-up for the Butkus Award, given to the top linebacker in college football. Lewis finished his junior season with 160 tackles, the second highest in University of Miami team history after Ed Weisacosky's 164 in 1965. Lewis also totaled eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, four pass deflections and one touchdown. Against West Virginia University, Lewis contributed 15 tackles.

Lewis led the Big East in tackles his last two seasons and accumulated the fifth most in Miami history despite playing only three seasons.

After the 1995 season, Lewis decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft. The Baltimore Ravens, who were entering their inaugural season, selected Lewis 26th overall in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. Lewis would become the Ravens second ever draft pick behind offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden who was selected #4 overall. Lewis eventually earned his undergraduate degree in Arts and Science in 2004 at the University of Maryland University College.

RICK on RAY LEWIS

Ray is arguably the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history. He was the face of the Baltimore Ravens and his passion, his intensity, his relentless play set the tone for his team for 16 years. He led a defense that set records during the Ravens first Super Bowl season. His pregame dance routine "the squirrel dance" would energize the team and the crowd and whip the capacity crowds at M&T Bank Stadium into a total frenzy. His early career was marred by his arrest in a double homicide that occurred shortly before Super Bowl XXXV. He insists that he didn’t commit the murders and I believe him; he had way too much to lose and knowing that fact drove the police strategy to get information by putting the heat on him. He lost out on many endorsements because of this, but he also made some major changes to his life and became a follower of Jesus Christ. Ray has given back much to the city of Baltimore and he had the rare privilege to end his playing career by winning another Super Bowl.

Lewis was the top-rated inside linebacker heading into the 1996 NFL Draft, in which Kevin Hardy was considered the draft's only outstanding linebacker prospect.Taken as the fifth linebacker in the draft, Lewis was seen by scouts as possessing speed, tackling ability, and intensity, but many considered his lack of size a potential liability. Lewis earned USA Today's All-Rookie team honors after his 15 tackles for loss led the NFL and 110 tackles led the Ravens in the 1996 season. He added two and a half sacks, six pass deflections, and an interception on the season.

Lewis recorded an NFL-best and career high 184 tackles in 1997, second most ever in a season, and earned his first Pro Bowl berth at the end of that season. In addition, Lewis totaled four sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 11 pass deflections.

In 1998, Lewis made his second trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 120 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and seven pass deflections, leading the Ravens in tackles for the third consecutive season. He was also named to The Sporting News All-Pro Team. In what would prove to be Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders' final game, Lewis and the rest of the Ravens defense held him to just 41 rushing yards.

In 1999, Lewis led the NFL in tackles with 168. He was named to a third-straight Pro Bowl and the All-Pro first team. He also totaled three and a half sacks, three interceptions, eight pass deflections, a safety, and a forced fumble. Lewis won the 1999 NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year chosen by past NFL players voting according to the position they played.

In 2000, Lewis led a defense which many call the greatest in NFL history for a single season.The team set a 16-game single-season record for fewest points allowed (165) and fewest rushing yards allowed (970). The team recorded four shutouts, one shy of the single-season record. The unit finished first league-wide in six key defensive categories. Lewis won Super Bowl XXXV MVP honors, Defensive Player of the Year honors, earned a unanimous All-Pro selection, and was once again named to start in the Pro Bowl. Lewis's regular-season total of 136 tackles once again led the Ravens, and Lewis added 31 tackles, two interceptions, 9 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and a touchdown in the four-game playoff run.

In 2001, Lewis earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, when he led the NFL in tackles with 162 and earned first-team All-Pro honors. Lewis scored a touchdown in the 2002 Pro Bowl. In the Raven's two playoff games, he totaled 17 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one pass deflection.

In 2002, Lewis was limited to only five games due to a shoulder injury. He still managed to rank fifth on the team with 58 tackles. In addition, Lewis compiled two interceptions, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Lewis earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 4 vs. the Denver Broncos after posting 18 tackles (11 solo), two pass deflections and an interception on "Monday Night Football".After having been selected to the Pro Bowl for five consecutive seasons (1997–2001), Lewis's streak was stopped by his season-ending injury. In his absence, the Baltimore Ravens defense would finish ranked 19th in points allowed.

Lewis was the leading vote recipient for the 2003 AP All-Pro team, earning 49 of 50 votes. He also won the annual AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year with 43 votes out of 50. Additionally, Lewis earned Pro Football Weekly, PFWA and Football Digest Defensive MVP honors and was named to Dr. Z's Sports Illustrated All-Pro team, Pro Football Weekly's All-NFL team, Pro Football Weekly's All-AFC team, Football Digest's All-Pro first team, and The Sporting News'All-Pro team. Lewis also earned the KC 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year award for the 3rd time in four years, the 2003 NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year, and finished with 161 tackles, one and a half sacks, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 14 pass deflections, and one touchdown. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Month for November and AFC Defensive Player of the week for his 15-tackle, one-interception performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 17. In the playoffs, Lewis totaled 17 tackles.

In 2004, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro by the AP, second-team "All Pro" by College and Pro Football Weekly and Football Digest,and "All Pro" by The Sporting News. He finished the season with 146 total tackles, one sack, two fumble recoveries, one fumble forced, and six pass deflections.

Lewis's 2005 season was cut short by a week-6 injury. He was placed on injury reserve in week 8, having amassed 46 tackles, a sack, an interception, 2 pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in the season's first six games.

In 2006, Lewis led the Ravens defense to an NFL-best ranking in 14 major defensive categories, including total yards allowed, points per game allowed, and interceptions. The Ravens also finished second in sacks, take-aways, and rushing yards allowed. Lewis missed two games due to an injury, but still recorded 103 tackles, a personal best of five sacks, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections in 14 games. He also forced a fumble and recovered one. The Ravens allowed just one 100-yard rushing performance in the 14 games Lewis played. Lewis was named AFC Defensive Player of the week following his seven-tackle, one-sack, and three-pass-deflection performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 1. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl, but withdrew because of a hand injury, ceding his spot to fellow Ravens linebacker Bart Scott. Lewis finished fifth in voting for Defensive Player of the Year. Lewis totaled 15 tackles and a pass deflection in the playoffs.

Despite the Baltimore Ravens' mediocre 2007 season, Ray Lewis was the team's leading tackler. Against the Browns, Lewis recorded 16 tackles, recovered a fumble, and returned an interception for a touchdown. He also earned his 9th Pro Bowl nod in his 12-year career. He finished the season with 120 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 10 passes deflected, two interceptions and one touchdown.

In 2008, Lewis led the Ravens to the AFC Championship game while totaling 117 tackles, three and a half sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 9 passes deflected. He was named a starter to the Pro Bowl (his 10th) and was named anAssociated Press first-team All-Pro for the sixth time. In addition, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following his eight tackles, two interception, and two pass deflections against the Houston Texans in week 10. In the playoffs, Lewis totaled 29 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection in three games. After the season, he became an unrestricted free agent, but agreed to return to the Baltimore Ravens to complete his career. The contract, which runs through 2015 (including two option years), is said to be worth $10 million the first year, but is highly incentivized.

In 2009, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the seventh time (9th selection overall) and named to his 11th Pro Bowl. He accumulated an AFC-leading 134 tackles on the season. He also added three sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and seven passes deflected. Lewis added 21 tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection in two playoff games. In the September 2009 issue of Sporting News' Magazine, Lewis was selected to their Team of the Decade (2000s). In week 2 in 2009 against the Chargers, Lewis made the game-saving tackle on Darren Sproles. After the game, Lewis said it was one of the best tackles he has made in his career.

In 2010, Lewis was named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the third time (10th All-Pro selection overall) and named to his 12th Pro Bowl. He totaled 139 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, four pass deflections, and one touchdown. Lewis added 13 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble in two playoff games. On Sunday, November 21, 2010, Lewis became only the second player in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 30 sacks in his career (the other beingRodney Harrison). He is also currently the fastest player (204 games) to achieve that feat.

In 2011, Lewis was named to his 13th and what proved to be his final Pro Bowl, and led the Ravens with 95 tackles despite missing four games with an injury. Lewis also collected two sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and seven pass deflections. Lewis totaled 20 tackles and one pass deflection in two playoff games. On Sunday, October 16, 2011, Lewis became the first player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career.

Throughout his career, Lewis built a reputation as a leader and intimidating force at middle linebacker. He has led his team in tackles in 12 of his 14 seasons. The Ravens did not allow a single 100-yard rusher in 51 consecutive games from the 1998 through 2001 seasons. In addition to his run defense, Lewis has also gained a reputation as a complete defender. Since the murder allegations, Lewis's image has recovered, and today he is considered one of the most dominant linebackers in the history of the NFL. Lewis was also selected as the third-best linebacker of all time on the show The Sports List. A poll of NFL coaches selected him as the most dominant player in the NFL before the 2003 season by being mentioned on 10 ballots, while no other player was mentioned more than twice. Team owner Steve Bisciotti stated his intention to erect a statue of Lewis outside M&T Bank stadium.

Lewis has been referenced in television shows such as The Wire, films such as The Rundown, and in music videos, such as in Mario's "Just a Friend 2002" and Nelly's "Heart of a Champion". Lewis has appeared in television ads for NFL Network, Reebok, Under Armour,Old Spice, and Eastern Motors. He was the featured athlete on the cover of Madden NFL 2005. That season, he missed a number of games to an injury, adding to the "Madden Curse". He was documented in NFL Network's documentary series A Football Life.

Lewis suffered torn triceps on October 14, 2012 during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, and had them surgically repaired three days later. Sports Illustrated reported that Lewis inquired with an alternative Sports Medicine Lab about treating the injury with Deer Antler Spray, which contains a substance banned by the NFL. Several sources had reported he was expected to return to action December 16 in the game against the Denver Broncos, much earlier than his expected return in January, but he was inactive for the game. On January 2, 2013, Lewis announced he will retire after his team finishes the 2012–13 NFL playoffs.

He returned to action for Baltimore's January 6, 2013 game against the Colts and led the defense to a 24–9 win. On the game's last play, Lewis lined up on offense at fullback. The Ravens were not slated to play another home playoff game (since they were the number-four seed), so they wanted Lewis to be on the field for the final play. Next, the Ravens defeated the Denver Broncos in the divisional round, 38–35 in double overtime, and then defeated the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, 28–13. Lewis's final career NFL game was Super Bowl XLVII, where the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34–31. Lewis finished the regular season with 57 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass deflection in 6 games. In the postseason, Lewis led the NFL with 51 tackles. He also contributed 2 tackles for loss and 1 pass deflection in the Super Bowl run.

Since his rookie year in 1996, Lewis has won numerous NFL awards, including being named Defensive Player of the Year twice (2000 and 2003), as well as Super Bowl MVP after winning Super Bowl XXXV after the 2000 season. He is also a 13-time Pro Bowler and seven-time AP First Team All-Pro player, a three-time AP Second Team All-Pro Selection, and was also a two-time All-American in college (1994 and 1995).

On May 11, 2010, a portion of Baltimore's North Avenue was renamed "Ray Lewis Way" in honor of the linebacker and his charitable work.

Lewis had career totals of 2,061 total tackles (1,567 solo), 19 forced fumbles, 117 passes defended, 102.5 stuffs for a loss, 41.5 sacks, 20 fumble recoveries, 31 interceptions for 503 yards, one safety and three touchdowns in 228 games. He has been selected to 13 NFLPro Bowl games, a record for an inside/middle linebacker, in his 17 seasons, and led the NFL in tackles five times (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004). In 2003, Lewis led all linebackers with six interceptions, a total matching the post-merger all-time record for a middle linebacker in a single season. Lewis was named first-team Associated Press All-Pro in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 and second-team All-Pro in 1997, 1998, and 2010. His 10 total All-Pro selections is a record for an inside/middle linebacker and ties the record for a linebacker (Lawrence Taylor also has 10 selections). In 21 career playoff games, Lewis has totaled 214 tackles (135 solo), two sacks, six forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions for 54 yards, 15 pass deflections, 10.5 stuffs for a loss, and one touchdown.

Lewis has been heavily involved in charitable activities throughout his professional career. He started the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation which is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth. The foundation has funded such events as adopting 10 families in the Baltimore City community for the holidays, an annual celebrity auction and bowling tournament, the Great Maryland Duck Derby, Thanksgiving food drives on North Avenue in Baltimore, and Ray's Summer Days. All proceeds have helped fund the Ray Lewis Foundation.

Lewis has since been involved in pressing political, business, and philanthropic leaders for a stronger commitment to disability sports both here and in the developing world. Lewis was also honored with a JB award (named in honor of CBS broadcaster James Brown) during the 2006 off-season and received the "Act of Kindness" Award for his work in the community.

RAVENS GREAT RAY LEWIS JOINS 2018 HOF CLASS

by Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun

Ray Lewis could have played in any era of the NFL, which is why he is the greatest middle linebacker ever.

There have been other great ones, such as the Chicago Bears’ Dick Butkus, the Green Bay Packers’ Ray Nitschke, the Atlanta Falcons’ Tommy Nobis, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Willie Lanier and the Baltimore Colts’ Mike Curtis, but they weren’t complete players like Lewis.

A lot of them wouldn’t have been on the field on third down or in passing situations in today’s game while Lewis never came off the field. He could easily cover a running back or tight end and was the first middle linebacker who could run sideline to sideline without losing a step.

In the era before him, most middle linebackers simply had to be agile from tackle to tackle. Like Butkus and Curtis, Lewis put fear in opposing players, and he took away their will to play against him. Just ask former running backs Eddie George, Corey Dillon or Jerome Bettis.

But what made Lewis even more special was his leadership ability. He practiced and played hard on every snap. He motivated his teammates, especially the younger players. He could do it with his performance or verbally.

“He might have been the greatest leader in the history of football,” said Ravens Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, who was selected by the Ravens in the first round of the 1996 draft along with Lewis. “He could get people to follow him. He had that kind of charisma.”

Lewis was a two-time Super Bowl champion, selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2003. He impacted the game and became the one time model for NFL middle linebackers.

He is the best. Period.