Arguably one of the greatest middle linebackers in the history of the NFL has announced his retirement this morning effective when the Baltimore Ravens season ends.
The 37-year old Lewis tore his triceps muscle in the Ravens victory over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6 and has not played since. Lewis was placed on the NFL’s new special Injured Reserve list, Lewis was then eligible to come off of it last month and practiced with the team before being activated.
The return of Lewis provides an emotional boost for a Ravens team that heads into a Wild Card match up Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium against the Indianapolis Colts.
According to the Baltimore Ravens website, Ray Lewis is expected to suit up and play in what could be his final time in front of the fans in Baltimore. The 17-year pro who has totaled 1573 tackles in his career called his announcement “bittersweet”, adding that “everything that starts has an end. It’s just life. And for me, today I told my team that this will be my last ride.”
An emotional Lewis told his teammates Wednesday morning of his decision and that he had become at peace with his decision, citing that he “realized he wanted to be with his family while rehabbing his injury in Florida.”
If you don’t have tickets to the game on Sunday, you’ll want to fire up the DVR’s to watch #52 come out of the tunnel for possibly the last time.
