The Last Go Round: Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis is considered the most celebrated Baltimore Raven to ever put on the uniform. Last week Lewis announced to the world that after the season is over he will be putting down the helmet and retire. He has been an enormous key to the success of the Ravens since 1996 when he was drafted from the University of Miami. Lewis when it’s all said and done will be a Hall of Famer and one of the best defensive players ever. Yesterday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts was such an emotional game for the team, fans and Lewis. They wanted to make sure that they would give him a farewell to the fans of Baltimore with a win; and that’s what they did.

The Ravens defeated the Colts 24-9 to a one sided game to which they didn’t know what they were getting into. This game was all about Ray Lewis and his retirement. The Ravens wasn’t going to let anyone spoil that. The nerves were really high for Lewis as you’ve never seen before. We’re so used to seeing Lewis composed and ready for battle, which he was but there was a different pep in his step. He definitely gave fans a show like no other coming out of the tunnel. It was electrifying to say the least and you can feel the energy in the air.

The Ravens played a great game against the Colts and will meet the Denver Broncos and the great Peyton Manning next week to see who will advance to the AFC Championship game. The odds are against the Ravens. But I will say to not count of this team and they seem that they will turn it up next week with Joe Flacco understanding what’s on the line and his legacy as a star quarterback of Baltimore. This is his time! I think that Lewis is content will his departure and what he’s brought to this organization and to the game as a whole. Lewis knows that there would come a time when enough was enough and the game had to end. I can tell you guys that I’m happy for him and enjoyed the moments that I’ve seen him play. His intensity on the field and attacking the quarterback, I don’t think we’ll see many players like him after.

In sports and life, there are only a few players like Lewis that put on the uniform and perform at a high level that we can say “Whoa” who the hell is this? It all caught me by surprise that he was going to retire because we’ve been so use to him being a Raven that we thought it would never end. I’m just happy that the New York Giants don’t have to go up against him anymore. He’s become a nemesis for my team. Farewell Ray! Was this the right time for Ray to walk away?