Ray Lewis Set to Retire

Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

Longtime Baltimore Ravens great Ray Lewis is set to retire following the team’s 2012 season.

The veteran linebacker announced the news to his teammates and coaches on Wednesday in a practice meeting before they take on the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. It could very well mark the last game of his professional career.

“Everything that starts has to end,” Lewis said. “For me, today, I told my team that this will be my last ride,” Lewis said.

The seven-time All-Pro hasn’t indicated if he will play this upcoming week due to a nagging torn biceps injury he suffered in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, but said he is physically ready to take his position on the field.

Lewis has been a workhorse for the Ravens since he was drafted in the 1996 NFL Draft. He has endured 227 starts in his career and is still the inspirational leader and the heart of the organization in their quest to return to the Super Bowl.

“Everything I’ve done is to make another run at the Lombardi,” Lewis told his teammates.

Lewis has said he wants to walk away from the game and spend more time with his two sons, both of which play on the same high school football team.

The 38-year-old Lewis has been the face of the Baltimore organization for at least the past decade. In 2000, he was voted AP’s Defensive Player of the Year, the same year the team defeated the New York Giants in the Super Bowl 37-7. He is also the only player to tally at least 30 career interceptions and 40 sacks.

Coach Chuck Pagano, former defensive coordinator of Lewis’ last season, said, “I though the guy could play forever and would play forever. Great person, great man great player, just an unbelievable human being – what he’s done for that organization, that city and for that matter, so many people. He’s obviously a first-ballot Hall of Famer and will be sorely missed.”

After Lewis’s injury, he was slated to miss the rest of the 2012 season. Fortunately, through hard work and determination, he has worked his way back into game shape and could very well suit up on Sunday and take his middle linebacker position.