In a recent fan-driven poll conducted by NBC Sports, a clear champion emerged and it belongs to Baltimore Ravens lore.
The pool conducted by the media outlet focused on naming the most dominant non-quarterback player during the 21st century, a span that covers nearly 25 years already. Your winner: unstoppable beast linebacker and Ravens Legend Ray Lewis.
An undeniable legend! @raylewis was voted Most Dominant Player (non-QB) of the 21st century by fans 🔥 pic.twitter.com/DnCMBzldRS
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 4, 2023
Lewis, a true titan, boasts an awe-inspiring legacy. Throughout his illustrious career, he earned the prestigious distinction of 13 Pro Bowl selections and was bestowed with the honor of All-Pro accolades on ten occasions.
He spent all of his career in Baltimore, from 1996 coming out of the first round of that year's draft as the 26th-overall pick through his retirement following the last Super Bowl triumph of the Flock.
His defensive prowess was always there, garnering him the NFL Defensive Player of the Year title twice (2000, 2003), while his unrivaled skills earned him a spot on the esteemed 2000s All-Decade Team.
The crowning jewels in Lewis's glittering career were his pivotal leadership in guiding the Baltimore Ravens to not one, but two Super Bowl triumphs. The first came in the 2000 season, where he clinched the coveted Super Bowl MVP award as the Ravens emerged victorious over the New York Giants. The second Super Bowl victory took place in the 2010s, as Baltimore defeated the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 Harbaugh Bowl.
Ray Lewis's statistical feats are equally great, with 2,059 tackles, 31 interceptions, 41.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, and an impressive 96 passes defended throughout his 16-year career.
In 2012, Lewis chose to retire from the game he had dominated for so long, ultimately receiving the honor of getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, getting there in his first year of eligibility.