Ray Lewis Set to Retire at End of Ravens' Playoff Run

An era is coming to an end in Baltimore, as Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis told the team today that he will retire when the season ends. 

Here are Lewis' exact words, via theRavens' official Twitter feed:

Baltimore Ravens

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@Ravens

Ray Lewis told the team today "this will be my last ride."

2 Jan 13

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Per Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, Lewis also told the team his thinking behind the decision and what he expects the immediate future to hold for the Ravens in the postseason:

Jeff Zrebiec@jeffzrebiecsun

Lewis said walking out for likely final time at home Sunday will be one of most glorious moments of his life."

2 Jan 13

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Jeff Zrebiec@jeffzrebiecsun

"I've ran my course. It's time for me to go create a different legacy."Lewis said.

2 Jan 13

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Jeff Zrebiec@jeffzrebiecsun

"wherever it ends it ends. But I didn't come back to be eliminated in first round." Lewis said.

2 Jan 13

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Zrebiec also had this quote from linebacker Terrell Suggs, who has been teammates with Lewis since being drafted by the Ravens in 2003:

Jeff Zrebiec@jeffzrebiecsun

Suggs said he was surprised. "we all thought the great Ray Lewis was going to play forever."

2 Jan 13

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Jeff Zrebiec@jeffzrebiecsun

I should say Suggs said the greatest middle linebacker of all time.

2 Jan 13

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Running back Ray Rice said this upon hearing the news that Lewis will be retiring (viaRavens' official Twitter):

Baltimore Ravens

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@Ravens

Ray Rice on Ray Lewis: "I can't picture Baltimore without him."

2 Jan 13

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Even as the years kept moving along and Lewis’ body began breaking down, it is still a shock to hear that the superstar linebacker will be walking away from the NFL.

He is arguably the greatest inside linebacker in NFL history and was voted the greatest player in Ravens history by Mike Duffy and Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com in a list published in June 2011. 

Lewis has been the face of the Ravens franchise since he was drafted in 1996. He was the MVP of Super Bowl XXV, and he played in 13 Pro Bowls during his career. He was also named to the All-Pro First Team seven times and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year two times. 

The last two years have been difficult for Lewis. He has played in just 18 games since the start of 2011 due to injuries. He missed the last 10 games of this season with a torn triceps, but he will be back for the team in its playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. 

BleacherReport | http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1465668-ray-lewis-set-to-retire-at-end-of-ravens-playoff-run