Ray Lewis as poet, preacher, pitchman for 'Madden NFL 13'

The new Madden NFL won't be out for a few months but judging from the way Ray Lewis acts on the game's trailer, it's safe to say they've sold at least one.

In the minute and a half long trailer, released online this week by EA Sports, Lewis lets loose an impassioned stream of dialogue that's part poetry, part prayer. He doesn't mention the game. But that's kind of beside the point.

It opens with soft, somber, piano music -- none of that thumping bass that usually introduces anything selling football. Lewis' voice comes on, dead serious.

"I've always been that I'm too small, i'm not big enough, i'm not fast enough, i don't have want it takes," he says. "I prepare so no one can take what is mine. No one can replace my mind, my heart."

He continues, sounding like a beat poet at an open mic, or a preacher rousing the Sunday regulars:

"To be the best and stay there sweat is necessary. I'm older. Of course I'm older. That's the beauty of it. Sixteen years plus different level of wisdom. Different level of understanding. Different level of punishment. i want to live loooong after my records have fallen, long after my rings have tarnished. Whatever you got to do to make sure you chase your legacy. Every second of your life. How will you be remembered? How will you be remembered? Why wouldn't you fight for the greatest achievement ever? Leave your mark to endure forever."

The trailer ends with Lewis staring steel-eyed into the camera, gridiron war paint under his eyes.

A final note from the piano.

Get chills. Pre-order.


(baltimoresun.com)