Lewis Will Worry About Retirement After the 49ers
Ray Lewis has just one game left in his illustrious career in the NFL, but you would not know it by talking to him or watching him get ready for Super Bowl 47. For the past three games, Lewis has dressed prior to the game knowing each one could be his last.
Now after wins defeating Cincinnati at home and Denver and New England on the road, the doubt is over. Win or lose and Lewis’ 17 year career will come to an end. The only doubt that remains is if he will leave with another Vince Lombardi Trophy in hand or not.
Lewis has said he will enjoy the Super Bowl no matter what the outcome. He said he has approached it that way, not thinking each game could be his last but instead focusing on the game and keeping his fellow teammates focused on the game as well.
Lewis insisted on Thursday that he was only thinking how he could help the Ravens defeat the San Francisco 49ers on February 3. He told reporters he has not thought anything about his retirement as his head has been in a playbook and his eyes on film.
Lewis has played 17 seasons and this will be the second time he has played in a Super Bowl. The first time was 12 years ago and the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7. In that Super Bowl, Lewis was awarded the MVP.
Lewis does not intend to be happy with just making it to the Super Bowl, the real prize he said was winning it, then and only then will Lewis think about walking off the field for the last time. Once the confetti is dropped, he said he will reflect for a moment, but until then it is all about the 49ers and how to stop them. 
Lewis started with Baltimore in 1996 following a great career at the University of Miami. He has been the captain of his team for years and even though time has cost him a step, he has countered that will hours studying films and his always sharp instincts on the field.
After his first season, Lewis was named to the Pro Bowl every season but three and in those three seasons he was slowed or out with an injury. In 2011, he missed four games due to a foot injury and still earned his 13th selection to the Pro Bowl.
Most people though Lewis was would be out for the season this year when he tore his triceps, but he promised his team he would return and he kept his word.
His teammates rave about how Lewis is the engine that gets the defense going all the time. He understands what his opponents are trying to accomplish on offense running the ball. Teammate Ed Reed said Lewis even calls out plays before they happen and without him in the defense makes it tougher for everyone.
In the three games since his return from injury, Lewis has had 44 tackles. Lewis said the 10 games he sat out with his triceps injury has helped him return even stronger to end the season.
He is happy that he feels fresh and that his mind and body are both ready to take on the 49ers first and then worry about retiring.
