Sports

Ray Lewis: Ring of Honor Induction 'Humbling'

The retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker and current ESPN analyst will be recognized during the Sunday game against the Houston Texans.

By Tyler Waldman

After Ray Lewis announced his retirement, the Baltimore Ravenswent on a playoff run that ended in the team's—and his—second Super Bowl championship.

The future hall of famer will be inducted into the Ravens Ring of Honor Sunday during halftime when the Ravens take on the Houston Texans. But believe it or not, Lewis said in a Tuesday conference call organized by the team that he's barely seen a moment of the recorded broadcasts from what he called his "last ride."

"I haven't even had the time to go back, sit down and [see] what that looked like on film," he said.

Instead, the legendary linebacker's days are filled with his family and his new job as an analyst for ESPN on shows including "Sunday NFL Countdown" and "Monday Night Countdown." He credited the other panelists, including former coach Mike Ditka and former wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, with helping him get acclimated to the weekly television grind.

"All the guys, man, they really make it OK… you just kind of turn into who you are and share your knowledge of the game," he said, adding, "The schedule gives me a lot of time to spend with my kids."

Though Lewis is no longer in the locker room or on the field, he said he still keeps in touch with former teammates and coaches via text. But he hasn't yet spoken to Coach John Harbaugh, and hasn't yet made any plans to pump up his teammates in the locker room like old times, he said.

"I will probably talk to coach later in the week to figure out something, if I'm going to talk to them at all," Lewis said.

Lewis won't be the only player making his homecoming to M&T Bank Stadium. Texans safety Ed Reed makes his return to M&T Bank Stadium in a visiting uniform.

Harbaugh told reporters this week the players are prepared to see the longtime Raven—who sat out the first two weeks with an injury—on the field, BaltimoreRavens.com reports. But no matter what happens, Lewis said he has been proud to follow Reed's career, from when he was on the team at Lewis' alma mater, Miami, to the Texans.

"Really, just being able to be in his life and be around him… it's just awesome to see the person he became in the game and the person he is off the field," Lewis said.

Lewis was the second player the Ravens took in their first draft in 1996—before they even had a name. In 17 seasons, he was named to 17 Pro Bowls, was named AFC defensive player of the year three times, recorded a record 51 tackles in the 2012 postseason and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.

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In the Ring of Honor, Lewis joins football legends like draft-mate Jonathan Ogden (a recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee), retired kicker Matt Stover, retired running back Jamal Lewis, late owner Art Modell and Baltimore Colts greats Johnny Unitas, Art Donovan and Raymond Berry. But Lewis never got to see those ceremonies, held during halftime while the teams were in the locker rooms. This time, it'll be him honored.

"It's probably one of the most humbling feelings that you ever go through because wow, I was able to stand on my own, finish my career, go out on top now to return to my city to be honored," he said.

"To see what we did for that city, what I was able to do for the city, to see the fans and know that connection… to come back and feel what that love feels like, it's going to be amazing man."

Yet, he adds, he has no regrets, and is enjoying his retirement.

"I went at the game so hard. I enjoyed every moment of it, but there was a part of me, my family had to sacrifice so much," he said. "I appreciated the game, I loved the game so much but I can't tell you I have withdraws where I always miss the game... it's been a great adjustment."


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