Ray Lewis pledges to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

More than three months after playing the final football game of a storied 17-year career, Ray Lewis has apparently found his next challenge.

The former Ravens linebacker said today on his Twitter page that he will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to raise money and awareness for clean water projects in East Africa. Lewis will undertake the mission, which he has billed TackleKili, next month.

Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and is over 19,000 feet above sea level.

"I am so FIRED UP for this adventure, but until then, I need your help to bring clean water wells to thousands of children and families," Lewis said in a statement.

Lewis is asking for donations through the web site. Those who register will be eligible to win a Lewis autographed Ravens helmet.

Lewis, known for his rigorous offseason workout routines, played 228 regular-season games over 17 seasons, all with the Ravens. In his final game, the Ravens beat the San Francisco 49ers to win Super Bowl XLVII and send Lewis out on top.

He was a 13-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year. In announcing his retirement Wednesday, former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher called Lewis the best to ever play the position.

Lewis, 38, has accepted an NFL analyst role with ESPN for the coming season.


(baltimoresun.com)