Baltimore Ravens all-time great linebacker Ray Lewis has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
First, it was Jonathan Ogden, now it’s Ray Lewis. The Baltimore Ravens’ first two draft picks in franchise history now both reside in Canton, Ohio. Lewis was selected into the Hall of Fame today as one of the 15 finalists in the 2018 class.
Hall of Fame, Class of 2018: Randy Moss, Brian Urlacher, Ray Lewis, Brian Dawkins, Terrell Owens, Jerry Kramer, Robert Brazile and Bobby Beathard.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 3, 2018
When you think of Baltimore Ravens football you think of Ray Lewis. His statue resides next to special company in Johnny Unitas at the front of M&T Bank Stadium. Lewis was one of, if not the best middle linebacker to ever play the game of football. Considered undersized coming out of the University of Miami, Lewis was the 26th overall pick by the Ravens in 1996. Looking back he should have been No. 1.
Lewis went on to have an incredible 18-year career with the Ravens, finishing with 1,562 total tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 31 interceptions. He was also a 13-time Pro Bowler, seven-time First-Team All-Pro, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl XXXV MVP. Needless to say, the numbers speak for themselves. Lewis was a lock for the Hall of Fame once his name hit the paper, there was no doubt about it.
Lewis was why myself and thousands of other fans came to watch the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium every Sunday. You couldn’t miss Lewis’ pre-game dance and it never got old even after what seemed to be the hundredth time. That energy hasn’t been the same since Lewis’ retirement and it’s noticeable at games. He’s still the most popular jersey you’ll see when you attend Ravens games and that’s something that won’t change for the foreseeable future.
Lewis was emotional but undoubtedly the leader in the locker room for 18-seasons. When he spoke, players listened. Sure Lewis was over the top sometimes but that’s why we loved him. He showed passion for the game of football like no other. And with that emotion came production on the field. Everything from blowing up gaps to the hardest hits imaginable, Lewis provided that over the course of his career.
Of course, along Lewis’ accomplish will come plenty of hate at the expensive of his one off the field issue. That is all people can and will ever point to. Lewis went through a due process of the law and the murder charges were eventually dropped. I wasn’t there when it happened and neither were you. To act like you know what happened is pure ignorance.
No. 52 will forever the face of the Baltimore Ravens and today that’s recognized on a national level.
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Congrats Ray, from myself and Ravens Nation alike.