For 17 years at the center of the Baltimore Ravens defense, legendary linebacker Ray Lewis set the tone with bone-rattling hits, inspirational leadership, and an unmatched passion for football. Lewis defined an era of defensive dominance in Baltimore, helping lead the franchise to two Super Bowl titles on the back of his transcendent play at the second level.
The Ravens selected Lewis with the 26th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, and he made an immediate impression with his explosive speed, instincts and competitive drive. Lewis quickly emerged as the anchor for several great Ravens defenses in the 2000s, earning 13 Pro Bowl selections while twice being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
While the accolades and gaudy stats capture Lewis’ excellence, his leadership qualities manifested through his pre-game speeches and unrelenting effort resonated most. He played with an infectious energy that elevated teammates, pushing the Ravens’ intimidating defenses to rank among the league’s stingiest year after year. Lewis set the tone with his meticulous film study and by punishing anyone carrying the football across the middle.
By the time Baltimore won Super Bowl XLVII in Lewis’ final season in 2013, his number 52 had become synonymous with the franchise. Beyond the championships and glory, Lewis connected with the city’s fans through his heart-on-sleeve passion for football. In Baltimore, no player better represented the Ravens’ tradition of hard-nosed, defensive-minded football than the bone-rattling, fiery leader Ray Lewis.
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