Ravens: Top 30 Moments in Team History

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Television personality Ray Lewis looks on prior to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

January 6^th, 2013 – Ray Lewis plays his last game at M&T Bank Stadium, recording 13 tackles in a 24-8 win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Carlos Avent:

“Everything that starts, has an end. Such as life. And for me… today, I told my team, that this would be my last ride.” – Ray Lewis, January 2, 2013

Those were the words from the face of the Ravens franchise for 17 seasons. Words that were never fathomed in the minds and hearts of Ravens fans and Ray Lewis fans alike. However, reality had to happen and this day had to come.

Ray Lewis suffered a torn triceps injury in week 6 in a game against the Dallas Cowboys. It was a moment that seemed to be a tragic and abrupt end to the Hall of Fame career of Ray Lewis.

However, after 11 weeks of rigorous rehab, Ray Lewis returned on this day to let the world know that it was time for him to walk into the next phase of his life – fatherhood. But first, a shot at another Lombardi trophy, one more time.

Wildcard weekend brought the Indianapolis Colts back to Baltimore for another playoff showdown. Similar to the 2006 playoff game, but with new faces and a quarterback not named Peyton Manning. Yet again, the Ray Lewis led defense held the Colts to zero offensive touchdowns and the Ravens won the game with a final score of 24-9.

But aside from the score, the real story here was that this game was the very last game that Ray Lewis would wear number 52, dance out of the tunnel, and play at M&T Bank Stadium.

Next: A thrilling victory