The End of an Era

**Hammerhead** · 02-02-2013, 05:38 PM

I was there on September 1, 1996 when Ray Lewis first took the field in Memorial Stadium. His end zone interception helped preserve a Ravens 19-14 win against the Raiders. Through the years, we saw his fierce intensity, his leadership, his intellect and his obvious football skill.

I will be there tomorrow when he closes out a stellar career against another Bay Area team - only this time in the Super Bowl.

He will be joined by Ed, Sizzle, Joe, Ray Rice, Q, Torrey, Bonecrusher, Vonta and dozens of other men all trying to bring home a companion to the lonely trophy that has resided at tbe Castle for 12 years.

The task will be formidable. The obstacles daunting. The Niners are a great team with great players, schemes and coaches.

I don't know how. I don't know by whose hand. But, Ravens, please... Just. Win.

Thanks for a great year. Let's get one more tomorrow.

**RavenNation620** · 02-02-2013, 06:12 PM

1 more... 1 more! I'm so anxious about tomorrow I highly doubt I'll be able to sleep that well. I don't know if anyone else feels this way but.. I just cannot picture a scenario where we lose. Or maybe I just don't want to

ONE MORE SLEEP

**Hammerhead** · 02-02-2013, 06:20 PM

Exactly. Last night was rough in the sleep department. Tonight won't be any better and neither will tomorrow whatever happens. If we lose, I will be too miserable to sleep. If we win, I will be too over the moon to sleep.

Yep, I am pretty much a loser.

Just win tomorrow guys. Just win.

**Ravenswintitle** · 02-02-2013, 06:29 PM

I was there at the Raiders game with my son and we went to many other games. Tomorrow we're watching from the mancave but Ray will be represented in our house.

Win it for Ray!

**GOTA** · 02-02-2013, 06:29 PM

If it has to end it's a hell of a way to go out.

**Knox Harrington** · 02-02-2013, 06:37 PM

Been to every home game since 2002 when I bought my season tickets. It's been privilege to watch Ray and Ed thru the years.

**AirFlacco** · 02-02-2013, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

I was there at the Raiders game with my son and we went to many other games. Tomorrow we're watching from the mancave but Ray will be represented in our house.

Win it for Ray!

Me thinks the entire SB was scripted for this:

First time 2 brothers coach vs each other in SB.

Ray's last game so give him a ring to go out with.

Hollywood couldn't write a better script than this.

**Real Fan Dan** · 02-02-2013, 07:02 PM

Ray, Ed -

Thanks for the joy you've brought to the people of Baltimore.

You and your brothers bring home that Trophy now hear?!!!

Thanks a million!
God bless you all!

- rfd

**Ravenswintitle** · 02-02-2013, 07:05 PM

check out the shoes he will be wearing:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-sh...7osaVxt2u3#_=_

**Beau Petard** · 02-02-2013, 09:18 PM

R-title-
They look like they're made of deer antler extract!

**HoustonRaven** · 02-02-2013, 09:29 PM

If someone in Hollywood was writing this story and having us win at the end , it wouldn't sell.

It would be a bad, cheesy story because nobody would believe a story with so many downs and miracles.

**rpcfball** · 02-02-2013, 09:30 PM

Unbelievable. Can't even imagine the ravens without ray

**Lime in the Coconut** · 02-02-2013, 09:32 PM

Tomorrow's going to be so emotional... We have to send Ray out right! Thank you Ray, and Ed for all the memories and hopefully we can have some more good ones tomorrow night!

**akashicrecorder** · 02-02-2013, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

If someone in Hollywood was writing this story and having us win at the end , it wouldn't sell.

It would be a bad, cheesy story because nobody would believe a story with so many downs and miracles.

It would have been thrown out right after the 4th & 29 conversion.

**akashicrecorder** · 02-02-2013, 11:06 PM

I am so grateful to root for this team. I feel apart of my city like never before. I want the win so bad, but ... no matter what happens, this has been a playoff run to remember. The word "grateful" just keeps running through my mind ... I'm not just happy I root for a good team, but that I root for a team that always defies odds and believes in itself, and that I can be part of such a passionate and knowledgeable fan base. Sleeping tonight is gonna be pretty rough. CAN'T WAIT.

**MD Boy** · 02-02-2013, 11:08 PM

Damn OP, why are you trying to make grown men (and women) cry over here?

**Shambla** · 02-02-2013, 11:19 PM

Originally Posted by akashicrecorder

It would have been thrown out right after the 4th & 29 conversion.

Certified Play of the Year.

**Ravenalytics** · 02-03-2013, 12:01 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

If someone in Hollywood was writing this story and having us win at the end , it wouldn't sell.

It would be a bad, cheesy story because nobody would believe a story with so many downs and miracles.

Right but I think the Blindside worked out so well that the NFL is going to make tons off the rights to this season's story line.

**GaTechRavens** · 02-03-2013, 12:06 AM

Originally Posted by HoustonRaven

If someone in Hollywood was writing this story and having us win at the end , it wouldn't sell.

It would be a bad, cheesy story because nobody would believe a story with so many downs and miracles.

That might have been true until Rookie of the Year came out. Put the two next to each other...I might believe it

**fourteentoone** · 02-03-2013, 01:38 AM

I've been Youtubing Ravens videos of this year and the past for quite a while now, I am restless. The game can't come soon enough. Whatever happens tomorrow, it's going to be sad and weird to know that we'll never see Ray on the field again, but I am grateful for all of the memories that the Ravens have provided this year, and that Ray has over his 17 years.