Ray Lewis to Retire (Merged)

[JustaslowZ06]

Knew it was coming, EXPECTED it, and still it's a shock!

I think I actually feel bad for the Colts now, poor Luck and Co won't even manage 6 points now. The last time he will step onto that field as a player. The stands and the defense are gonna go balls to the wall all 60 minutes.

[RavenScallywag]

I think the saddest part of all is knowing that Ray is probably not going into coaching. He wants to watch his kids grow up, and then he seems more destined for ministry. So this is the last time you'll really see him coaching up players. Because the legacy of Ray Lewis is really two parts....Ray Lewis the player, and Ray Lewis the leader. I think both of them are moving on, and that's pretty sad. Ray Lewis as a player alone, hasn't been as meaningful in the last few years, but Ray Lewis the leader has been remarkable to watch.

[Ravenswintitle]

I hope the timing of this announcement gets the team so fired up that they are laser focused. They have to do everything possible to win another one for Ray.

[wickedsolo]

It is going to be VERY weird not seeing #52 out on the field next year. Very weird. I've been watching that guy play since I was 14 years old and he has been one of my favorite players since then.

Without a doubt THE best linebacker to play the game and, IMO, one of the top 5 greatest players (regardless of position) to play the game.

[Jay D83]

I think the saddest part of all is knowing that Ray is probably not going into coaching. He wants to watch his kids grow up, and then he seems more destined for ministry.

I would visit his church in a heartbeat! I actually think the ministry is his REAL calling.

[Justlovemybirds]

I'll be watching this a few times tonight

[pslholder96]

Video of the announcement, via WNST .....

Damn.......

[GOTA]

I think the saddest part of all is knowing that Ray is probably not going into coaching. He wants to watch his kids grow up, and then he seems more destined for ministry. So this is the last time you'll really see him coaching up players. Because the legacy of Ray Lewis is really two parts....Ray Lewis the player, and Ray Lewis the leader. I think both of them are moving on, and that's pretty sad. Ray Lewis as a player alone, hasn't been as meaningful in the last few years, but Ray Lewis the leader has been remarkable to watch.

Ray is a natural for that path. He could do a lot of good and help many people as a minister.

[mojorob]

Barring a Ravens-Bengals AFC Championship matchup,Ray's final appearance at home on Sunday will be one of the greatest moments in the history of Baltimore sports. I have been around for a long time and have witnessed some amazing moments here in Baltimore. It will be a privilege and a pleasure to be in my seat at M&T when Ray does his final dance. The emotion will be powerful,to say the least. I can only hope that all of the fans realize how fortunate they have been to have seen one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL. Thank you Ray Lewis. Thank you for bringing championship football back to Baltimore.

[HoustonRaven]

I think the saddest part of all is knowing that Ray is probably not going into coaching. He wants to watch his kids grow up, and then he seems more destined for ministry. So this is the last time you'll really see him coaching up players. Because the legacy of Ray Lewis is really two parts....Ray Lewis the player, and Ray Lewis the leader. I think both of them are moving on, and that's pretty sad. Ray Lewis as a player alone, hasn't been as meaningful in the last few years, but Ray Lewis the leader has been remarkable to watch.

Agreed.

I think fans like to think he will be a coach as a means to keep him around but the writing is on the wall. He's not going to give up the speaking gigs, TV, commercial, spokesperson opportunities, being with his kids, etc for the 17-20 hour a day grind of coaching.

[Paintballguy]

From what I heard, a Ravens staff member expects Ray to stick around in Baltimore. What that means, I don't know...

I don't see him being a coach though.

[JustaslowZ06]

From what I heard, a Ravens staff member expects Ray to stick around in Baltimore. What that means, I don't know...

I don't see him being a coach though.

He could be Mayor. He'd win 100% of the vote.

[Ravenswintitle]

Agreed.

I think fans like to think he will be a coach as a means to keep him around but the writing is on the wall. He's not going to give up the speaking gigs, TV, commercial, spokesperson opportunities, being with his kids, etc for the 17-20 hour a day grind of coaching.

Nor should he. He's earned it IMO

[Raveninwoodlawn]

It's time.

But it is definitely still sad and seems surreal.

[arnie_uk]

I'll be watching this a few times tonight

Would anyone know when ray tackled tiki? I want to see it again

[Volse11]

Ray Lewis is the greatest middle-linebacker and leader to ever play the game. I don't think his type of player will be seen again.

[StingerNLG]

Agreed.

I think fans like to think he will be a coach as a means to keep him around but the writing is on the wall. He's not going to give up the speaking gigs, TV, commercial, spokesperson opportunities, being with his kids, etc for the 17-20 hour a day grind of coaching.

The money difference alone makes it an easy decision.

[JohnBKistler]

Would anyone know when ray tackled tiki? I want to see it again

23:45

[Lee Van Cleef]

Agreed that it's time, but majorly agreed that it still knocks the wind out of my chest knowing I won't see #52 on that field after this season.

Ray, your presence as a Raven will be missed. Defined this franchise for so long, and in an age where we end up supporting the laundry and not the players, we were lucky to have him here for his full 17 year career and witness so many great moments from him. A sad day for sure.

[Ravenalytics]

As soon as I heard the news, I immediately went online and got my tickets.

This will be my first Ravens game ever. I'm so filled with a swelling combination of excitement and bittersweetness.