A star is born.
Fresh off the train from the University of Miami, Ray Lewis announced his presence in the NFL with authority by picking off a pass and registering seven tackles in a win over the Raiders on Sept. 1, 1996.
Baltimore linebacker RayLewis (52) holds a newspaper and the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates after the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in the Super Bowl.
Ridiculous numbers.
It didn't take long for Lewis to become the best linebacker in the game. In his second season, he recorded a ridiculous 184 tackles, the second highest in league history, and made his first Pro Bowl. Funny thing is, he was the fourth linebacker selected.
Trouble in Atlanta.
The Ravens middle linebacker was arrested on Jan. 31, 2000 hours after the Super Bowl ended in the Georgia Dome for his involvement in the stabbing death of two Akron, Ohio, men. Lewis later pleaded to a lesser charge – obstruction of justice – and testified against two acquaintances that were later acquitted.
Pick six.
Lewis is one of only two players in NFL history with 30 sacks and 30 interceptions. His biggest thievery came during the Ravens 2000-2001 title run when he picked off Steve McNair and raced 50 yards in the Ravens' 24-10 playoff victory.
Lewis' day with Lombardi.
New York Giants quarterback Kerry Collins probably had nightmares about No. 52 after the Ravens middle linebacker had 11 tackles and four past defenses, one of which was tipped and intercepted, in Super Bowl XXXV. He was named MVP.
A true run stuffer.
Much of Lewis' time on the field has been spent making plays along the line of scrimmage and in the offensive backfield. No highlight reel would be complete without his game-saving hit on Darren Sproles Sept. 20, 2009. The Chargers running was engulfed by No. 52 on fourth-and-2 late in the game and lost five yards.
Textbook tackle.
New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez threw a pass in the direction of Dustin Keller in the season opener at the Meadowlands. Lewis was lurking and drilled the Jets tight end with a clean hit to dislodge the pass and save the game. The NFL sent the video across the league to teams on how to make a clean, hard, hit.
The last dance.
A week after announcing his retirement, Lewis did his final “Squirrel” dance at M&T Bank Stadium in front of the home crowd after the last play of the Ravens' wild card round win over Indianapolis. He took a lap around the stadium – Cal Ripken Jr. style – to honor the fans and the city.
The "Last Ride" continues.
Experts have talked about what Lewis can't do over the last couple years, but he showed he could still play in the Ravens' recent playoff run. He recorded 30 tackles against Indianapolis and Denver to lead all defenders in the postseason.
Heart of a champion.
Ray Lewis will leave the NFL as the most decorated and feared middle linebacker to ever play the game. But his most impressive feat came this year when at 37, he returned from injury and helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to a second Super Bowl championship.
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