Leadership, intensity define Lewis’ legacy

It’s impossible to fathom the NFL without Ray Lewis.

One of the most inspiring leaders in league history, Lewis sent shockwaves around the NFL when he announced on Wednesday that he will be retiring after the season.

The Baltimore Ravens franchise will never be the same and replacing the presence of legendary linebacker will be impossible.

Lewis has done just about everything in his 17 seasons in Baltimore and his memorable motivational tactics have been part of the face of the NFL since he joined the league in 1996.

Here we take a look at the best and most memorable moments from Lewis’ illustrious career.

Tackling machine

The Ravens had a heck of draft in 1996 where they were able to land Lewis and Hall of Fame left tackle Jon Ogden with their first two picks. The University of Miami product took the NFL by storm, racking up 110-plus tackles in seven of his first eight pro seasons. Lewis was the fiercest tackler of his generation.

Leader & master motivator

Lewis wasn’t only famous for his tackling ability, he was one of the all-time great leaders and motivational speakers the NFL has ever seen. He was always considered to be a great teammate and willing to back up anyone he played alongside. Like no other, Lewis was able to get the most of his peers and grew famous for his unrivaled intensity and his sideline and pre-game antics.

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Super Bowl MVP

Lewis had his brightest season in 2000, when the Ravens set a single-season record for fewest points allowed. The defence was the heart-and-soul of Baltimore’s team, which went on to defeat the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV, where Lewis became the second linebacker to be named Super Bowl MVP.

Disney fiasco

There was no doubt that Lewis was the face of the Ravens when they were one of the most dominant defensive units in league history. But when the Ravens went on the win the Super Bowl, Lewis wasn’t allowed to use the signature “I’m going to Disney World" phrase. That strangely went to journeyman quarterback Trent Dilfer.

Later, Disney realized the error and issued an apology to Lewis for not using them in their ads. This was originally produced for Saturday Night Live.

Madden Cover Boy

It may not seem like a big deal, but representing the popular Madden video game is considered a true honour around the NFL. While the Madden Curse has become a phenomenon, it had nothing on Ray Lewis when he graced the cover in 2005. Lewis was named an All-Pro middle linebacker that season after finishing third in the NFL with 146 tackles.

Lewis…the actor?

Lewis wasn’t only popular for his on-field play. One of the league’s most-recognizable faces was used in numerous commercials over the years, including a current series of Madden ads with actor Paul Rudd. He’s been marketed in all sorts of product, including this amusing Old Spice ad below.

All-time great

Lewis is a lock to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he becomes eligible. He is generally considered one of the top and most dominant linebackers ever to grace an NFL field. When NFL Network released a list of the top 100 players of all-time, Lewis was ranked No. 18th overall. A well-deserved honour.

When news of Lewis’ retirement broke, Twitter erupted in response.

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