For those in attendance at yesterday’s 30-9 win over the Houston Texans, it was a day to remember. Not only did the team handily win a game that many expected them to lose, but Ed Reed returned to M&T Bank Stadium as a member of the enemy for the first time, and Ray Lewis was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor.
It was that third item that undoubtedly caused many a misty eye in Charm City at halftime.
First, Lewis was introduced with the team – not last, as was his custom during his playing days, but first – running through the tunnel and columns of fire as he had so many times before, (only dressed in a suit this time around).
At halftime, Lewis took the microphone.
“Baltimore,” Ray started. “Baltimore. I started this journey with you at the young age of 18 years old. This organization – Ozzie Newsome, Rest in Peace Art Modell, and Mr. Steve Bisciotti – take your hats off, whatever you need to do, clap as loud as you need to clap, because this organization is number one in the entire world.”
“Baltimore, what we did together – not once, but twice! This city is what love is all about. This stadium, for 17 years, I gave everything I had. I left it all on the field. Thank you, thank you, to my family. There is no me without my family.”
Watch an excerpt below, c/o CSNBaltimore.com.
