Ray Lewis, considered one of the best middle linebackers in NFL history, announced on Wednesday that he will be retiring at the end of this season. The 13 Pro-Bowler will end his 17-year NFL career with one Super Bowl MVP, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and seven times being named First-Team All-Pro.
Ray Lewis, a popular motivational speaker at PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency, announced on Wednesday, Jan 2, 2013, that he will retire at the end of the season.
After being sidelined most of the year with a torn triceps, Lewis will return to play his final game in the AFC wildcard game in Baltimore on Sunday, January 6, where the Ravens will host the Indianapolis Colts.
In an emotional announcement to the press Lewis said:
“I talked to my team today. I talked to them about life in general. And everything that starts has an end. For me, today, I told my team that this will be my last ride.”
According to ESPN, Lewis “has gone to 13 Pro Bowls, been named first-team All-Pro seven times and has been voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice.”
“God is calling,” Lewis said. “My children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father for 17 years. I don’t want to see them do that no more. I’ve done what I wanted to do in this business, and now it’s my turn to give them something back.”
“I just felt so much peace in my decision because of everything I’ve done in this league.
“I’ve only played the game to make my team be a better team. And now God is calling in so many other areas of life. And my children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father. … I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do in this business.
“I’ll make this last run with my team, and I’ll give (the Ravens) everything I’ve got.”
From a USA Today article:
“When you talk about great defensive players, Ray ranks favorably with the (Lawrence Taylors), the Reggie Whites, the Dick Butkuses, whoever you want to put up there. I don’t think you can go very far without talking about Ray Lewis and his accomplishments,” said Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, who played with Lewis and is a CBS analyst.
“Seventy-five to 80% of people will say Ray was the greatest middle linebacker whoever lived. Some will say Dick Butkus. Some will say this one or Mike Singletary. That’s always subject to debate.”
Lewis is the lone remaining player from the Ravens’ 2000 title team, whose calling card was the Lewis-led defense that is among the best of all time. He was the MVP of Baltimore’s 34-7 win vs. the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.
“I can’t picture Baltimore without him,” Ravens running back Ray Rice said.
“Baltimore is Ray Lewis.”
Look for an exciting game this Sunday.
PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for football speakers, athlete appearances and endorsements. If you would like hire Ray Lewis for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Ray Lewis speaker and Ray Lewis agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. For more information call 800.966.1380.
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