Baltimore – May 28, 2008 - Baltimore area residents can expect an action packed three days of bowling, paintball and fitness education at the Fifth Annual Ray’s Summer Days being held from June 4 – 6. Ray Lewis’ Ray’s Summer Days has established itself as the premier summertime fundraising event in the Baltimore area providing healthy fitness related fun for children and exciting events for adults, while raising money for the Ray Lewis Foundation to help disadvantaged youth and families in distress. Over $100,000 was raised at last year’s event.

“I count it as such a blessing that I can put together a fundraising event that raises awareness and funds to provide assistance to disadvantaged youth throughout Baltimore,” said Ray Lewis, founder and namesake of the Ray Lewis Foundation. “I built my life and career here in Baltimore and it is important to me to give back to the city and the people that have been a big part of my success.”

Event participants will be joined by Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens players, Hall of Famers and other athletes and Hollywood celebrities involved in this year’s Ray’s Summer Days. Participants can once again look forward to the annual bowling tournament and evening cocktail party and auction, along with a youth fitness clinic and an exclusive celebrity paintball tournament.

Ray Lewis:
“Our foundation is grateful for all of the support by local and national organizations like American Airlines, Sun Products Corporation, Bacardi, Pev’s Paintball and many many more. Without our corporate support and the support of the community, our commitment to helping these children would not be possible”

About the Ray Lewis Foundation
The Ray Lewis Foundation is a 501C3 non-profit tax-exempt corporation whose mission is to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth and families in distress in Baltimore and the surrounding areas. For more information about Rays Summer Days please visit www.rayssummerdays.com or contact Jason Venger at 786-368-5494. For more information about the Ray Lewis Foundation please visit the website at www.raylewis52.com

Press Credentials are required for access to each event. Contact Jason Venger for credentials.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday, June 4th 2009
Event 1: Bacardi VIP Kickoff Party Venue: Ruth Chris’ Havana Club: 600 Water Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 Time: 7:30pm-10:30pm Cost: Individual ticket - $500

Event 2: Havana Nights Kickoff After Party Venue: Ruth Chris’ Havana Club Time: 11:00pm-2:00am

Friday, June 5th 2009
Event 1: American Airlines Celebrity Bowling Tournament Venue: Brunswick Perry Hall Lanes: 4359 Ebenezen Rd, Baltimore, MD 21236 Registration: 6:30pm Cost: $2,000 per lane (four bowlers per lane) ; $500 per spot

Event 2: RSD After Party Venue: Hightopps Backstage Grille Time: 11:00pm-2:00am

Saturday, June 6th 2009
Event 1: Sun Products Corporation Youth Fitness Clinic Venue: Patterson Park (Utz Field): 200 S. Linwood Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224 Time: 9:00am-12:00pm Cost: Free for children ; By invitation only

Event 2: Pev’s Celebrity Paintball Tournament & BBQ Venue: The Lewis Residence Time: 1:00pm-5:00pm Cost: $1,000 per team (five players per team) ; $100 non-player (RLF approval required)

Event 3: RSD Wrap-Up Party Venue: TBD Tickets can be purchased by calling (786) 368-5494

(baltimoreravens.com)

4. Ray Lewis, Ravens. As long as he is protected by big guys like Kelly Gregg, Justin Bannan and Haloti Ngata, Lewis can do what he does best -- attack the ballcarrier. Lewis is a good tackler and run defender, and in '08 he proved he is surprisingly effective in coverage.

5. Jon Beason, Panthers. Beason has 278 tackles in his first two seasons, showing no struggles in filling Dan Morgan's role. Beason is a tremendous athlete with great range and an aggressive style of play.

20. Jonathan Vilma, Saints. He, coming back from knee surgery, was a strong candidate for Comeback Player of the Year honors in '08. He didn't miss a snap last season and recorded a team-high 132 tackles. New coordinator Gregg Williams' scheme will help Vilma even more, allowing him to use his speed and athleticism to run to the ball and make plays sideline-to-sideline.

To see the rest of the rankings click here.

(sportingnews.com)

Raymond Anthony “Ray” Lewis has come a long way since starring on the gridiron at Kathleen High School nearly two decades ago.

Since leaving Kathleen in 1993, Lewis has attended the University of Miami and was a first-round draft pick by the Baltimore Ravens.

Getting into the NFL in 1996, Lewis has appeared in eight NFL Pro Bowls. He was named an NFL All-Pro seven times. He is a two-time NFL Defensive

Player of the Year. And he is a Super Bowl MVP.

Despite all of that, coming back to his high school alma mater on Tuesday, nearly made the 6-foot-1, 250-pound man emotional.

Lewis was one of two people inducted Tuesday into the Kathleen High School Hall of Fame. Lewis was inducted along with former long-time teacher Beth Johnson.

It was the school’s fifth hall of fame ceremony and Lewis and Johnson were the 13th and 14th people inducted.
“Going on the football field is so different than this,” Lewis said. “These are the things that humble you as a man.
“You can’t relate to the importance of this,” he said. “I’ve lived here. I’ve trained here. All the things I’ve ever done in life is here. That is the one thing that is overwhelming to me.”

When Lewis arrived at the auditorium Tuesday, he hugged Kathleen athletic director Gary Lineberger, an assistant football coach during Lewis’ days at Kathleen.

He later saw former head coach, now Tenoroc principal Earnest Joe, and hugged him as well.

“Coach Lineberger, coach Joe. They pushed you to be great,” Lewis said. “They pushed you to be different. They pushed you to never settle for less.

“The magnitude of this will last a lifetime,” he said. “To be honored and inducted into THIS hall of fame is overwhelming.”

Joe introduced Lewis, telling of his former players’ benevolent side while weaving in a couple of stories from when Lewis was at Kathleen.

“I’m proud of the young man,” Joe told the audience. “He’s always doing more. He’s always doing what’s good.”
Through his foundation, the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation, Lewis’ mission is to be able to help disadvantaged youth not only in the United States but abroad.

“What will your legacy be when your eyes close,” he asked the audience?

No matter what, Lewis’ legacy will always be tied to Kathleen High School, which is OK with him.

(mkrob.com)

Check out our new NFL U Wallpaper featuring Ray Lewis. Click here to download our Ray Lewis Wallpaper and many other ones or click above on proCanes Wallpapers. Enjoy and stay tuned to more wallpapers in the near future.

Pick 14 Jim Kelly  |  QB, Bills, 1983
The Bills drafted him in the great QB class of '83 but had to wait until '86 to get him, since he took a detour to the USFL. But when Kelly arrived in Buffalo, he was the consummate leader, taking the Bills to four Super Bowls.

Pick 24 Ed Reed  |  S, Ravens, 2002
Reed is almost unanimously considered one of the best defensive backs of the decade. He has been selected to five Pro Bowls and twice led the league in interceptions. He was named the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year and holds the record for the longest interception return in NFL history (108 yards in 2008). Reed was the fourth defensive back chosen in '02.

Pick 26 Ray Lewis  |  LB, Ravens, 1996
He has been the centerpiece of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history and five times led the league in tackles. A 10-time Pro Bowler and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Lewis is known for his vocal leadership and his outstanding speed to the ball. Steelers' offensive lineman Alan Faneca would have been a good pick in this spot as well, but Lewis' astonishing resume of awards and decorations gives him the edge.

Pick 30 Reggie Wayne  |  WR, Colts, 2001
Since 2004, Reggie Wayne has become one of the most prolific and consistent receivers in the NFL, which is why he gets the slight nod over Titans' linebacker Keith Bullock. In the past five seasons, Wayne has logged over 75 receptions, 1,000 yards and five touchdowns five times while not missing a single game and being named to three Pro Bowls. Wayne played a pivotal role in the Colts' 2006 Super Bowl run and usurped Marvin Harrison as Peyton's No. 1 receiver when Harrison went down with an injury in 2007.

(cnnsi.com)

Just in case you ever decided it would be a good idea to piss off Ray Lewis and he knows your home address, I thought you should see how easily Lewis can bust through a door the way he busts through skinny wide receivers. Seriously, the man does some nasty things to the door in this video. This clip is from the television show Sports Science.

Baltimore Ravens defensive linebacker Ray Lewis will give his personal faith testimony this Sunday on BET's Lift Every Voice, which airs at 10 a.m.

Over the years, Lewis has talked about his life in football and his faith in Baltimore area churches. He has participated in the NFL Players All-Star Choir, which performs during the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration.

According to Gospelflava.com, the show will also include gospel artist Hezekiah Walker, who has experienced a major comeback with the single "Souled Out.''

(baltimoresun.com)

Leadership is one of the media's favorite buzz words. You hear it tossed around a lot when people talk about older players, especially when they can't perform the way they once did. It's usually a justification for why they maintain Alpha Dog status on the team, or a salary no longer in proportion with their ability. "He's a great leader, so you have to have him on your team," we're often told. "He does things behind the scenes that people never hear about. He makes other people better."

I've been thinking a lot about this since the Ravens re-signed Ray Lewis, and as we get closer to the start of the 2009 baseball season, with the Yankees creeping increasingly closer to the inevitable day when they are forced to admit Derek Jeter can no longer be allowed to give away runs in the field because his defense is so subpar.

Even more than what Jeter means to the Yankees, Ray Lewis is the Baltimore Ravens. The franchise says it plans to build a statue of Lewis to stand next to John Unitas' statue when he's done playing, and considering the football demons that No. 52 helped this city exorcise by bringing it a Super Bowl, it will be well deserved. But don't focus on Lewis' legacy for a second. Focus on the current NFL linebacker, the one who will be 34 years old before next season. Is he worth $22 million over the next three years?

As a player, probably not. That's an uncomfortable truth that's hard for some people to admit because it sounds like heresy. But there is a reason he didn't get so much as a sniff in free agency before re-upping with the Ravens this year. He doesn't cover the same kind of ground anymore. Part of the reason is that he's heavier. He bulked up this past season, hoping it would help him stay healthy, and for the first time since 2005, he was able to play essentially a full season (in 2005, he played 15 games). But he's blockable. He still shoots gaps and makes big plays, but he also gets caught in traffic a fair amount, and he can't run down plays from behind they way he used to.

Despite being voted to the Pro Bowl yet again -- an honor that is about reputation more than performance -- he averaged fewer tackles per game (7.31) than any full season of his career. (In 2004, he averaged 9.8 tackles per game.) If you don't believe me, watch this video (after the jump) that highlights several plays Lewis just missed in the Ravens' December loss to Pittsburgh. (I apologize in advance for the Will Smith backing track.) Eventually, even the maximum amount of film study can't compensate for age.

In some ways, though, the debate isn't about whether Lewis in 2009 is comparable to Lewis of 2004. It's about whether the entire package that he offers is the best available option for the Ravens. And this is where it's worth discussing how we define leadership, and what monetary value we place on it.

To hear some people tell it, Ray Lewis is still the second coming of William Wallace in Braveheart, the intense and spirited general who is so charismatic, every last man is willing to follow him to the gates of hell and back. The reality, though, is more complicated, and this isn't necessarily specific to Lewis. (Although to suggest he is universally loved in the Ravens locker room would be false.) Professional locker rooms are complex environments, full of layers that aren't easily explainable, especially in sound bites. Certain players may be respected or even loved, but inspiration, for professional athletes, is far more individual that we care to believe. It's not a very compelling narrative to state that a professional football player might be playing harder because he wants to increase his value in a contract year. It makes for a better mythology if he's doing so because he's part of a Band of Brothers and he's inspired by the loquacious superstar and his approach to the game.

Does Ray Lewis inspire teammates to spend more time in the weight room, or study more game film? Absolutely. Especially some of the younger players. Le'Ron McClain even said this year that it was Lewis who pulled him aside when McClain showed up overweight at camp, and Lewis told him he needed to be more of a professional if he wanted to see the field. McClain internalized it and ended up in the Pro Bowl. That's one of the reasons the Ravens were willing to pay more than market value for Lewis.

"He has unbelievable leadership ability in the locker room, in the weight room and out on the practice field," said Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He helps our young kids not just be football players, but to become professional football players. And that makes a big difference.”

But some of this is also about perception and PR, which is what brings us back to Jeter and the Yankees. There's no question that Jeter has been one of the main forces driving the Yankees' 13 playoff appearances in the last 14 years. And like Lewis, his leadership -- often described in undefinable terms like "intangibles" -- is a regular topic of discussion when assessing his value. The Yankees don't dare dream of asking Jeter to play center field or third base, even if it would make the team better defensively, because of what he theoretically "means" to the team. And maybe there is some truth to that.

But again, like Lewis, he's not quite the player he used to be. There is a book put out each year called The Fielding Bible, and to compile it, an organization called Baseball Info Solutions tracks every defensive play made by every MLB player. They've assembled a database showing how often each type of play is made. For each fielder, they keep track of how many unusually good and how many unusually bad plays he makes and express it as +/- number. The last three years, Jeter has been: -22, -34 and -12. He's ranked ranked 34th, 34th and 31st among shortstops. That's pretty bad. Alex Rodriguez may be a head case who makes out with himself in a mirror during magazine shoots, but there is no way he would be that bad.

If Jeter is such a remarkable leader, why didn't he offer to step aside and play third base instead of letting the Yankees ask Rodriguez to do it instead? And during the last few seasons, when A-Rod was struggling to fit in in the Yankee clubhouse and with Yankee fans, why didn't Jeter publicly stand up and make a statement of support? Why did he let his teammate twist in the wind when a few words from him could have easily called off the dogs? Isn't that what you ask from your captain?

Lewis has had a few moments in recent years that made me wonder if he and Jeter aren't alike in more ways than we'd care to admit. No one was more supportive of Lewis during Super Bowl week in 2000 than Brian Billick. Whatever his faults were, I always thought it was pretty clever the way Billick went after the media and declared "You're not qualified!" during his interview session. He came off as an arrogant jerk, but in retrospect, that seemed to be exactly the point. For one day, reporters were firing arrows at Billick, not Lewis. Billick's reward, when it was his turn on the hot seat, was to have his star linebacker go on his radio show and criticize the coach's play-calling after a loss to the Bills. Was that leadership? Lewis has certainly shown in recent years that he is great to have when things are going well, and somewhat difficult when things are not.

A few years ago, Tom Brady's contract with the Patriots was nearly up. Peyton Manning had just signed an extension with the Colts that included a $33 million signing bonus. Brady's response to the Patriots was that he was willing to sign a contract for far less, below market value, if the team was willing to use some of the money they could have spent on him and invest it back into the team. He also agreed to restructure his contract, lowering his base salary, so the Patriots could sign Randy Moss a few years later. Lewis had an opportunity to make a similar gesture and passed it up for a shot at the open market. In the end, he signed for the amount Baltimore was offering all along, one that didn't break the Ravens bank. Was that leadership? Or at the end of his career, did he have the right to chase one last potential payday?

The reality of professional sports is always more complicated than the mythology. Leadership certainly does exist in some ways. There is no doubt Ray Lewis helped create a culture of success for the Ravens' defense. But at some point, has the idea become more than the man? Even if it is true, when is it outweighed by his inability to move from sideline to sideline?

Instead of seeing it as some broad magical quality, maybe we should view it as simply another skill set. Too often, we throw around the term leadership to explain the undefinable, and thus, it's a scary thing to pay millions of dollars for.

The Ravens either paid millions of dollars because they believe that magical quality still exists in Lewis, or because he was the simply the best option available, and the PR hit of losing him and admitting he was past his prime, despite all he'd done for the franchise, was too much to bear.

The truth, as usual, would probably be found somewhere in the middle.

(baltimoresun.com)

49ers head coach Mike Singletary, explaining why he feels Ravens LB Ray Lewis is the best in the game, as quoted on TahoeDailyTribune.com: “I think it depends on how you look at it, how you break it down. But I think Ray Lewis is one of those guys that is the epitome of the throwback linebacker. I think Ray is a guy that plays the game at a very high level. He can be very physical at times. I think the other thing that stands out and really makes him valuable to the Baltimore Ravens is his ability to lead that team. I think as great a player as he is, the greatest attribute he has is his ability to bring that team together. So any coach that comes in there, he’s going to have an opportunity to have a great football team because of what’s happening in that locker room. Ray is not going to let it go bad. So that’s probably the No. 1 guy that jumps to my mind.”

(profootballweekly.com)

If Ray Lewis knocks at your door, better let him in. That's the lesson to be learned from the next edition of Sport Science (airing Sunday at 11 p.m. on Comcast SportsNet).

The program uses lots of high-tech equipment to film and measure actions of athletes in scientific fashion. In this case, Sport Science decided to compare the Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker with a battering ram. Each would be used to break down a thick, locked door.

Lewis filmed the show -- now in its second season -- in July in Los Angeles. He didn't get paid and stayed out on the field for six hours, said John Brenkus, creator and host of the series.

(The co-creator and co-executive producer is Mickey Stern, a Baltimore native.)

"It's literally a program that people do for free," he said. "By Season 2, everyone in the sports community had seen Sport Sciene. ... The sell just gets easier as the show goes on." 

I'll admit to not having seen the show before receiving a preview DVD, but, as my 12-year-old self would have said, it's pretty neat -- measurements of force, super slow motion from all angles.

But what about the risk of injury? (I checked with the Ravens, and a spokesman said the team had no idea Lewis did this.)

"The athletes are in such incredible shape, and we take every precaution," Brenkus said. "Where you get hurt is when you're not actually going full speed."

And they do go all out, he said.

(SPOILER ALERT!)

Lewis certainly went all out. The battering ram, wielded by a SWAT veteran, busted the lock and the door swung open. Lewis the human battering ram, in full football uniform, got a running start, lowered his shoulder and knocked the whole door in -- lock, hinges and all. He went flying, landing on the door.

(baltimoresun.com)

This is a transcript of Ray Lewis' news conference on March 19, which included Lewis, owner Steve Bisciotti, general manager Ozzie Newsome and coach John Harbaugh. Special thanks to the Ravens' public relations staff for the transcript.

Ozzie Newsome's opening statement:
“To me, it’s something that’s really rewarding for myself being able to continue this relationship. I’ll begin in that I was a little bit selfish in wanting to re-sign Ray because I couldn’t go to the drug store, I couldn’t go to dinner, I couldn’t stop at the gas station without someone asking me whether we were going to re-sign Ray. So now, I can have my life back. It’s good to have Ray aboard. The other thing is, you’ve often heard me talk, I think we have a good system in place with the cap system, free agency and so forth. But I think one of the minor flaws is a lot of the veteran players don’t get the opportunity to retire with the club they are drafted into. I’ve talked about that with other players that have had to go to other organizations and then have to come back for that one-day retirement. I’m glad that did not happen with Ray. But, the other part of it -- and it think Ray can understand the appreciation -- right now, Ray, to me, is what Rod Woodson and Shannon Sharpe were to Ray. He’s a veteran who’s still playing at a high, high level, but he [also] has unbelievable leadership ability in the locker room, in the weight room and out on the practice field. He helps our young kids not just be football players, but to become professional football players. And that makes a big difference.” Steve Bisciotti's opening statement:

“Obviously, this is a happy day for ownership and a happy day for Baltimore. I’m thrilled that this process worked out the way it did. We all know the options out there and how things go in free agency. I remember talking to Ray earlier in the season four games in, and they were still talking about a contract extension. I remember saying to Ray, ‘You should wait. You should wait for the end of the year. That’s something I want you to be happy with doing.’ At the time, we didn’t know what we were going to get out of Joe Flacco and our offense, and I quite honestly thought if we went 5-11 that Ray might take less money to go somewhere else where he can win a championship. So to me, I’m happy for both things. I’m happy that Ray is here, but I’m happy that we produced a team that gave him the confidence that he could win a championship here because he deserves that and the fans in Baltimore deserve that. We’re very lucky to have the kind of year that we did and the success that we had. Bringing John in and the kind of relationship he was able to develop with the players made this even more sweet. I would hate to be signing Ray to finish his career here if he wasn’t confident with the direction of the club. Good timing is everything in life, and we benefited from that good timing.”

John Harbaugh opening statement:
“Real quickly before Ray starts here... I can’t tell you how excited that we are as coaches from a football standpoint because of all the things Ray Lewis brings to the table as a leader and a man. He also brings even more to the table as a football player. We have a great football player, and free agency is an important time for a football team in this league. Ozzie is in the middle of it, and he is competing. And Eric DeCosta, Pat Moriarty and Vince Newsome are doing a great job. We added by keeping a great football player on our football team, and Ray can play. That’s the main thing, and that’s what I’m excited about. Beyond that are the things that he brings to the table. I think Ray Lewis exemplifies what it means to be a Raven. We talk to our team about what it means to play like a Raven. It’s hard-working, it’s tough-minded and it’s humble. By choosing to stay a Baltimore Raven he’s made a decision to have a career-spanning impact on a football team and a community. To me, that’s a very giving decision. We’ve talked about this so many times, what it means to be a man and what it means to have a legacy. What Ray is talking about doing here in terms of his legacy is something that goes beyond just a football career. He’s choosing to take his extraordinary gifts as a football player and use them to uplift others. I think that’s what Ray’s all about. We’ve talked about that a lot. That’s what I’m so proud of, and I’m fortunate enough to be the coach when this is happening. We were joking about this before: It’s time to put press conferences behind us and go to work and build a championship.” Read More...

In his first news conference since re-signing with the Ravens, linebacker Ray Lewis repeatedly said Thursday that Baltimore was always his first choice in free agency.

"My family is Baltimore. My family is the purple. My family is the fans," Lewis said during a half-hour interview session with local reporters. The bottom line: Was there ever a decision for me to leave Baltimore? I don't think so.

"I didn't take a trip. I didn't visit anyone else's facility," Lewis said. "That would have taken away from what I do for my city."

Before Lewis signed his seven-year, $44.5 million contract (which is essentially a three-year, $22 million deal), he talked about his interest in the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets, which irritated some of his fan base.

According to owner Steve Bisciotti, the Ravens offered Lewis a contract "higher than most 33-year-olds ever see" at the end of the season. Lewis wanted to test free agency for the first time in his 13-year career and asked the team to keep the offer on the table.

"He gave us 13 years; we gave him a week," Bisciotti said. "He went out there to see a lot more. No, he really didn't want to leave. But if somebody is going to offer him $10 million more over a three-year contract, I would tell him to go. There was no animosity."

Asked if Lewis would eventually have a statue erected next to the one of Johnny Unitas, Bisciotti smiled and said, "I think there's enough bronze in this world to get two statues done."

(baltimoresun.com)

Ray Lewis officially signed his contract, and it locks him up longer than previously believed.

According to the NFL Players Association, the Pro Bowl middle linebacker officially signed a seven-year deal that totals $44.5 million, including $12.25 million in bonuses.

Because Lewis is turning 34 before the season, the Ravens probably are looking at this as a three-year deal but they are spreading the pro-rated bonuses over seven seasons. In the first three years of the contract, Lewis would earn $22 million, which was the reported deal last week.

This season, Lewis will receive a $6.25 million signing bonus, a $2.75 million roster bonus and $1 million in base salary. In 2010, the Ravens would need to pick up a $1.25 million roster bonus on Lewis and pay him $4.25 million in base salary. In 2011, there is a $2 million roster bonus and $4.5 million in base salary.

His base salaries in the final four years of the deal are: $4.95 million in 2012, $5.4 million in 2013, $5.85 million in 2014 and $6.3 million in 2015. Base salaries in the NFL are not guaranteed after a player is released.

(baltimoresun.com)

OWINGS MILLS -- Baltimore Ravens All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis has officially signed his three-year, $22 million contract, finalizing the agreement he reached last week with team officials.

The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the agreed to terms last Wednesday, but didn't immediately sign the incentive-laden deal.

Now, Lewis is officially under contract with the Ravens through the 2011 season.

The 10-time Pro Bowl selection's seven-year, $50 million contract that he signed in 2002 expired after last season.

(carrollcountytimes.com)

The first thing that jumped out when I put in tape of the Baltimore Ravens' defense was the passion and energy and intensity with which Ray Lewis played. I could literally feel it through the video screen. It was palpable and tangible.

Before we go any further, let's get the abridged analysis out of the way. The bottom line: Lewis had a great season in 2008, and I don't use that word lightly. At age 33, in his 13th NFL season, Lewis did not lose a step. Physically, he was very close to the same player he had been in his earlier seasons, when he was universally regarded as the best defensive player in the league.

Emotionally, he remained the heart and soul of the Ravens defense, the glue that kept everything together. He performed with a young man's enthusiasm and fervor, a veteran's knowledge and wisdom, and that once-in-a-generation hunger and yearning.

We've all recognized over the years that Lewis' seeming obsession with the brutal essence of football made him different, a singular entity who performed with a kind of disciplined fury that, in an inexplicable way, was infectious and exhilarating. He had an uncommon capacity to both be a part of, yet separate from everything going on around him. Play after play, he executed his responsibilities with unrelenting determination and focus.

That unique combination of rage and intellect was again apparent in 2008. Game preparation shows up on film. We like to use the word "instincts" to describe a player's aptitude to always be in the right place at the right time. Lewis has rare instincts, yet they derive from countless hours of film study. He understands offensive formations and tendencies so thoroughly that his reactions are always primal, never measured.

It was evident watching the Ravens this past season that no concessions were made to Lewis, no weaknesses camouflaged. And that is the best barometer by which to judge his overall performance. A defense is only as strong as its weakest link. That player must be somehow concealed within the overall defensive scheme so that the opposing offense does not easily exploit him. The coaching staff did not have to compromise, or scale back to compensate for any deterioration in Lewis' game. The reason was there on film: Lewis had not regressed at all.

The Ravens defense this past season was a talented assortment of variable chess pieces and interchangeable parts. They incorporated elements of both the 4-3 and 3-4, and their blitz packages were diverse and effective. They often rushed just 4, yet two of those 4 were a linebacker and a defensive back. More times than I can remember, a rushing defender would get in clean, not accounted for by the pass protection. It was a simple concept executed brilliantly: Pressure the quarterback without sacrificing bodies in coverage.

Players like Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott, Haloti Ngata, Jarret Johnson and Jim Leonhard aligned in many different positions, and were asked to perform varying responsibilities. The defense had many components, and even more moving parts.

Lewis was the one constant: He stayed in the middle, directing traffic and maintaining the unit's core strength, regardless of the personnel and the scheme.

The Ravens played predominantly a "2 gap" concept with their defensive line. In that approach, the down linemen essentially engage the offensive linemen in front of them, preventing them from working up to the linebackers. Lewis thrived in that system. It allowed him the freedom to use his incredible instincts to run to the football.

He played inside out, continuing to display the ability to run laterally with burst and speed. There was no decline in his sideline-to-sideline range, and he still looked like a kamikaze when he fixed on his target and exploded into the tackle. He remained more than capable of delivering powerful, jarring hits.

Lewis was again an outstanding run defender. He took on blocks, was consistently physical at the point of attack. He could really fill a gap and be a downhill thumper. You don't see that as often in the NFL as you used to years ago, and Lewis excelled at it.

That's the beauty of Lewis. He plays with a toughness that knows no bounds other than the unwritten rules of combat that define one's respect for the game.

What really stood out on film was Lewis' understanding of the Ravens' myriad blitz packages, and the coverages that accompanied the various pressures. The Ravens were predominantly a zone-coverage defense, much more so than a man-to-man team. In any zone concept, particularly one played behind a blitz, there are holes that can be exploited if the quarterback can deliver the ball quickly and decisively. Lewis was outstanding at knowing where those voids in the coverage were, and immediately taking them away with his initial movement at the snap of the ball.

That kind of awareness often goes unnoticed if the quarterback throws an incompletion, or if he is forced to hold on to the ball and gets sacked. But that really speaks to the essence of Lewis as a player and a teammate. The game is about togetherness, brotherhood and accountability. You play for the man beside you. You do your job the best possible way it can be done, no exceptions, no excuses. It's a simple world of black and white, with no grey areas.

In 2008, Lewis continued to prosper in that setting. There was nothing on film that would lead me to believe he cannot do it again in 2009.
Greg Cosell of NFL Films analyzes coaching tape and is executive producer of State Farm NFL Matchup. He is a frequent contributor to Sporting News.

(sportingnews.com)

News item:
Linebacker Ray Lewis came to terms with the Ravens last week on a three-year contract believed to be worth $22million. The team also signed veteran center Matt Birk to a three-year deal to replace departed free agent Jason Brown.
My take:
Whether Lewis was worth $22million on the free-agent market is irrelevant. He's worth it to the Ravens, especially in the first season of the post-Rex Ryan era.

(baltimoresun.com)

Free agent Ray Lewis isn't expected to sign his agreed-to three-year contract with the Ravens for another two weeks.

When Lewis finally signs, his deal will reportedly pay $22 million over three seasons. That's $2 million less than the offer Lewis could've had if he didn't try to test free agency. It's also unknown how much is guaranteed.

(rotoworld.com)

The Ravens and ILB Ray Lewis have agreed on a multiyear contract, the club announced Wednesday. According to ESPN.com, the deal is for three years and worth more than $7 million per season. "This will allow Ray to finish his career as a Raven," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome told the team's Web site. Lewis, 33, is regarded as one of the best defensive players and on-field leaders of his generation and has been the face of the Ravens’ franchise for much of his career. He started all 16 games in 2008, notching 117 tackles and 3½ sacks. He is entering his 14th NFL season.

The return of Lewis became likely when other offers for him did not materialize as he had hoped in free agency and when the Ravens lost Bart Scott, their other starting inside linebacker, to the Jets.

The PFW spin
This is the ideal outcome for both Lewis and the Ravens. Lewis gets the handsome payday he sought, and the Ravens keep the leader of their defense.

Lewis still packs a punch in the running game and boasts the instincts and enough quickness to hold up in pass coverage, but Newsome's statement was telling. Lewis probably has three seasons left, at best. However, the Ravens could not afford to let him go, and because a one-year deal for Lewis was not feasible, they were wise to give him the multiyear contract. The Ravens have Super Bowl aspirations entering the '09 campaign, and Lewis is capable of doing enough in just one season for this signing to be a successful one.

A significant portion of the value Lewis provides at this stage of his career comes from his leadership and mentoring, and even if his production falls off in 2009 and beyond — entirely feasible given his age — he will be a difference-maker if the Ravens' other starting inside linebacker, whether it be reserves Tavares Gooden or Brendon Ayanbadejo or someone else, quickly gets up to speed in the Ravens' defense because of his help.

One day, and perhaps quite soon, the Ravens will have to replace Ray Lewis, but it will not be tomorrow, and this buys the Ravens some time while allowing them to benefit from what Lewis has left to give as a starting NFL linebacker, as well as a teacher.

(profootballweekly.com)

Have Ray Lewis' contract demands priced him off the free-agent market?

Former QB and Monday Night Football analyst Joe Theismann said Lewis, 33, may be demanding dollars that teams just aren't going to give him.
Theismann to the Carroll County Times:

"As a player of Ray's stature, you don't maintain a sense of reality. There are few places for him to go in the first place, economically. In Ray's situation, you look at some of the numbers that lesser known, less accomplished younger players are getting and you think, 'Why can't I get a piece of that?'

"In Ray's case, the reality is that there aren't a whole lot of options for him. The way you drive up the price is to have a lot of suitors for your talent. That's the only way to get that done is to negotiate with other teams. Truthfully, Ray Lewis has made more money than he can spend in his lifetime."

Lewis may be a 10-time Pro Bowler and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, but at his age he's not as sound an investment. Consider that the Jets signed his former teammate, ex-Ravens LB Bart Scott, who's five years younger.

(usatoday.com)

As the options for Ray Lewis continued to dwindle, the agent for the Pro Bowl linebacker said Lewis would consider returning to the Ravens.

"He couldn't think more highly of Baltimore," agent David Dunn said yesterday. "He's played in that city for so many years. He's so symbolic of the team."

Although Dunn declined to comment on negotiations, it is believed the Ravens have offered a three-year, $24million contract, a deal that Lewis could end up signing tomorrow. Barring a surprising turn in free agency, the Ravens likely represent the biggest payday for the 33-year-old veteran and the best opportunity for him to win another Super Bowl.

The two teams most heavily linked to Lewis before the start of free agency - the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets - are no longer in the market for inside linebackers. The Cowboys signed veteran Keith Brooking to a three-year deal yesterday, and the Jets locked up Bart Scott on Friday.

There have been questions about the demand for Lewis in free agency because he has no scheduled visits after the first two days. Dunn explained that Lewis had long decided to stay in Florida this weekend because of family obligations, which include attending his children's sporting events.

Dunn also dismissed any notion of a rift between Lewis and the Ravens.

The NFL Network and Yahoo Sports reported Friday that Lewis was upset with the progress on a new contract with the Ravens. According to the NFL Network, Lewis would contemplate retirement before returning to the Ravens.

But Dunn said Lewis is not angry with the team.

"Of course he has deep affection for them," Dunn said. "To indicate otherwise is absurd."

It appears Lewis' options beyond the Ravens are limited.

The Denver Broncos, whose defensive coordinator is former Ravens assistant Mike Nolan, immediately signed an inside linebacker, but it was Andra Davis, a former Cleveland Brown. Because Nolan plans to use a 3-4 defense, the Broncos could still use another inside linebacker, although they reportedly haven't contacted Lewis.

Another possibility could be the New England Patriots, who opened up salarycap space yesterday by trading quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Patriots might look for someone to replace inside linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who seems to be nearing the end of his career.

But the teams currenly seeking a middle linebacker are the Chiefs, Browns, St.Louis Rams and Detroit Lions.

Those teams are rebuilding this season and might look to the draft for a linebacker. And even if they wanted Lewis, they couldn't promise immediate success as the Ravens can (the Chiefs, Browns, Rams and Lions finished in last place in their divisions and combined for eight wins).

Lewis likely would intrigue only teams that felt they were on the cusp of a championship. At this point in his career, Lewis' best asset is leadership. According to ESPN analyst Merril Hoge, Lewis' weakness "lies inside the white lines."

"He doesn't turn and run like he once did," Hoge said. "He doesn't dominate like he once did. He doesn't get off blocks like he once did. He doesn't have the same range, the same speed, the same quickness."

Hoge suggested it's in Lewis' best interest to remain with the Ravens.

"Even though his skills have eroded, I think it would be much more magnified somewhere else than in Baltimore because of the familiarity," Hoge said. "Learning new players and a new system, I think those diminished skills would be more visible.
Former NFL general manager Charley Casserly agreed and said the "smartest move" for Lewis is to go back to the Ravens.

"They will pay him more money than anybody else because of his leadership ability and what he's done for the franchise," Casserly said in an NFL Network appearance.

While Lewis remained unsigned, four inside linebackers struck deals: Scott (six years, $48million), Brooking (threeyears, $6million), Davis (terms undisclosed) and the New Orleans Saints' Jonathan Vilma (five years, $34million).

Scott surprisingly received the largest contract even though he went to just one Pro Bowl (2006) and never led a team in tackles.

But Casserly said "it's not even a question" that he would pursue Scott over Lewis because Scott is 5 years younger.

When asked why the Jets chose Scott over Lewis, Ryan explained that Scott is younger and can play inside or outside linebacker.

"At the end of the day, both of them are outstanding players," Ryan told Jets reporters.

Dunn declined to put a timetable on when Lewis would make a decision, but he said the two were to talk last night and today.

"I know he's certainly exited excited about the future," Dunn said.

LB Bart Scott could be bound for the New York Jets. NFL.com reports that Scott, scheduled to visit the Jets today, is expected to sign a deal worth $8 million per year.

The Jets were considered a possible landing spot for LB Ray Lewis, Scott's teammate in Baltimore last season. Scott's signing could now limit Lewis' market, PFT reports.

NFL.com also reports that Lewis is unhappy with the Ravens and the slow pace of contract negotiations and may be unwilling to return to the team.

(usatoday.com)

The Baltimore Sun believes that Denver could be a more likely destination for free agent Ray Lewis than the Jets or Cowboys.

He had a strong relationship with new Broncos DC Mike Nolan when they were in Baltimore and Denver is letting incumbent MLB Nate Webster go. Lewis is thought to have turned down a three-year, $25M offer from the Ravens.

(rotoworld.com)

5. Ray Lewis, MLB, Ravens: Coming off his 10th Pro Bowl season, Lewis continues to prove he can play at a high level. One of the most instinctive players to ever man the position, Lewis is a productive sideline-to-sideline linebacker with an unrivaled penchant for playmaking. Although history would suggest it is a bad idea to ink an aging linebacker to a big-money deal, Lewis' intangibles and leadership skills will prompt several teams to consider overpaying for the future Hall of Famer.

12. Jonathan Vilma, LB, Saints: The active playmaker enters the market after re-establishing himself as one of the top inside linebackers in the game. Vilma's instincts are superb, and his knack for slipping under blocks allows him to gobble up running backs at a prolific rate. Though some teams will be turned off by his lack of size (6-foot-1, 230), Vilma's overall skills and productivity has him high on many free-agent boards.

(cnnsi.com)

For Ray Lewis, the tempting move is to sign with the Cowboys or Jets. The right move is to re-sign with the Ravens.

Unless Lewis signs a new deal with the Ravens before free agency begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, we will see if the Cowboys are serious about courting Lewis, a future Hall of Famer who is an icon in Baltimore. You cannot blame Lewis for considering all options. But sometimes, the best moves in life are the ones you never make.

Lewis is playing for a team that just reached the AFC championship game. Stay out of the drama in Dallas, Ray. Send your pal Rex Ryan a good luck card, but jettison any thought of joining the Jets. Make the best deal you can with the Ravens. Finish your career in Baltimore and retire in the place where you built your legacy.

When you have played with one team for so long, switching teams late in your career is risky business. Ask Brett Favre. Ask Zach Thomas. Ask Jason Taylor.

I could see Lewis leaving the Ravens if they stunk or if they insulted him with their contract offer. But listening to Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome this weekend at the NFL Scouting Combine, it sounds as if the Ravens have been negotiating sincerely with Lewis and that owner Steve Bisciotti wants Lewis back.

"He has a very good relationship with Coach (John) Harbaugh, you know of his relationship with Steve and he and I have a very good relationship," Newsome said. "I think he realizes where our football team is, that we have Joe (Flacco) and that we can contend in our division and in our conference to try to get him to another Super Bowl. Those things are in place. But economics always plays a big part of it."

The thought of Lewis playing linebacker in a Cowboys uniform is intriguing, not only on the field but in the locker room. The Cowboys need a policeman to control their prima donnas. Lewis could be that guy. When Lewis speaks, teammates listen. Even opponents who don't listen to their own teammates-- like Chad Johnson of the Bengals--listen to Lewis.

"He's a great mentor to not only the other young linebackers, but some of the young offensive players," Newsome said. "I think he did a great job of helping out our quarterback and Ray Rice. So he has value that goes beyond his production on the football field."

I still remember Lewis looking me squarely in the eyes during training camp last summer, insisting the Ravens would be good. I thought the heat was getting to him. Besides, sometimes I refrain from telling men who benchpress 300 pounds that I think they are dead wrong. So I smiled, nodded my head, then watched in surprise all season as the Ravens made the playoffs and Lewis played like he was 23, not 33.

However, I still think Lewis is fooling himself if he thinks the Cowboys are close to reaching the Super Bowl. He should pop in a tape of the Cowboys' last two games, when their defense was run over by the Ravens (33-24) and by the Eagles (44-6). With a playoff spot on the line, the Cowboys came up smaller than a microchip. Against teams that made the playoffs last season, the Cowboys were 2-5.

The Cowboys have enough talent to tease Lewis, to make him think he could be the missing link. But Lewis is only guessing that he would fit in well with the Cowboys. With the Ravens, Lewis already knows he fits perfectly alongside two other defensive stars, safety Ed Reed and linebacker Terrell Suggs.

The Jets also might come after Lewis now that Ryan, the Ravens' former defensive coordinator, is the Jets' head coach.

Lewis loves Ryan, and they think alike. Asked at the Combine how long it would take the Jets' defense to be as good as the Ravens', Ryan did not mince words.

"I think next year," said Ryan. "If we bring in the kind of people we're talking about, we only need to add one or two guys. The foundation is already there." The Ravens have two other free agents the Jets might pursue--linebacker Bart Scott and safety Jim Leonhard. For those two players, leaving the Ravens makes more sense. They are younger than Lewis, and they have a lesser legacy in Baltimore.

Lewis is a different case. He is part of Baltimore's identity, like crab cakes. Not many great athletes get to play their entire career with one team anymore.

The Cowboys need Lewis more than he needs them. Lewis does not need a star on is helmet. Remaining the biggest star in Baltimore would be his best move.

(sportingnews.com)

The Ravens and linebacker Bart Scott appear to be only $400,000 to $700,000 apart as far as completing a new deal.

Scott, though, isn't sure if he is competing with Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker Ray Lewis for a big contract.

Lewis, like Scott, will become a free agent tomorrow if he doesn't reach an agreement. The Ravens may be able to sign only one of the two, and might be pitting one against the other.

(baltimoresun.com)

A team source told ESPN's Matt Mosley early Thursday that the Cowboys are not strongly interested in free agent Ray Lewis.

Mosley doesn't rule out a deal, but says Dallas "hasn't even spent much time discussing" it. Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome indicated Wednesday that the sides are still in talks. Lewis is expected to get upwards of $10M annually.

(rotoworld.com)_

Are the Ravens making contingency plans to play next season without longtime LB Ray Lewis?

The Baltimore Sun reports the team may be nearing a deal with LB Bart Scott, who like Lewis is set to become a free agent on Friday. Scott could slide to the inside linebacker role Lewis has long occupied, the paper reports.

Also, the Sun says that team owner Steve Bisciotti may have been irritated by Lewis' comments lately that he would entertain offers to play for the Jets or Cowboys.

Dallas LB DeMarcus Ware said last week Lewis told him at the Pro Bowl it's his "dream" to play for the Cowboys.

(usatoday.com)

Below proCanes.com analyzes the NFL U free agent market and tries to give you, the fans, a better idea of where these free agents may end up for the 2009 season. First off, here are the different types of free agents defined in case you don't now the difference:

Unrestricted Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) are players who have completed four or more accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. They are free to sign with any club.

Restricted Free Agents
Restricted Free Agents (RFA) are players who have completed three accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. They have received qualifying offers from their old clubs and are free to negotiate with any club until April 21, at which time their rights revert to their original club. If a player accepts an offer from a new club, the old club will have the right to match the offer and retain the player. If the old club elects not to match the offer, it may receive draft-choice compensation depending on the level of the qualifying offer made to the player.

Exclusive-Rights Free Agents
Exclusive-Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) are players who have completed between 0-2 accrued seasons of service whose contracts have expired. If tendered, they have no negotiating rights with other clubs and must sign their tender with their old club or sit out the season.

2009 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Phillip Buchanon CB 5-11 186 7th Season Buccaneers:
According to members of the Buccaneers organization, many from within believe Phillip Buchanon was their most consistent cornerback last year. At the beginning of the offseason many people thought the Bucs would let Buchanon go because of the coaching changes and and change in defensive philosophy. That looks to not be the case though. The Bucs will be talking to Buchanon's agent Drew Rosenhaus this week and hope to sign before he hits the open market. After a rough beginning to his career, Buchanon seems to have settled and become a vital part of the Tampa Bay defense. Look for him to remain a Buccaneer.

Vernon Carey OT 6-5 350 5th Season Dolphins:
Vernon Carey actually never hit the free agency market despite not being franchised by the Miami Dolphins. Once the Dolphins elected not to franchise him most people began to speculate that they no longer wanted Carey and both the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings would go after him. One day later though, the Dolphins did sign Carey to a 6-year $42 million contract making him the highest paid right tackle in the league. Congrats to Vernon!

Bubba Franks TE 6-6 265 9th Season NY Jets:
Bubba Franks had a disappointing 2008 season despite being teamed up with Brett Favre again. Bubba's best seasons as a Green Bay Packer were with Favre, but they never seemed to to find that magic last year as Jets. Bubba fought through injuries during the season but missed 8 games. He finished the season with only six reception for 47 yards and no TDs. The Jets did released TE Chris Baker, which would create an opening for Bubba, but they do have Dustin Keller who they are pretty high on. If Bubba stays looks for him to be Keller's backup which is a possibility as long as he can show that he can stay healthy.

William Joseph DT 6-5 308 6th Season Raiders:
Joseph was signed last offseason by the Raiders to give them help along the defensive line with the loss of Warren Sapp. Joseph was cut right before the beginning of season, but was then signed in week 8 and played the last 7 weeks of the season accumulating 8 tackles. Since being drafted by the NY Giants in the first round in 2003, Joseph has not lived up to expectations. He will probably get signed by someone in need of DL depth and it very well could be the Oakland Raiders.

Ray Lewis LB 6-1 250 13th Season Ravens:
It is rumored that the Jets are making salary cap room to possibly sign Ray Lewis. The Cowboys have been rumored to be a destination Ray would potentially prefer as well. Ray has said before that he would like to end his career as a Raven and the Ravens would really like to sign him before the free agency period begins on February 27, despite being irked by his comments at the Pro Bowl which most people think were said to get him a bigger contract. This would be the first time Ray would hit the free agent market and the Ravens are afraid that if he does he will be gone. Look for the Ravens to sign him before he hits the market.

Darrell McClover LB 6-1 226 5th Season Bears:
McClover has been important cog in the Bears' special teams for the past few years, but he missed the last 6 games due to injury this year and the Bears do not seem to be interested in resigning him. He has been a career special teams player but also has the ability to play the OLB spot. If the Bears do not re-sign him, which looks unlikely, look for him to get picked up by a team with special teams needs like the Patriots, Chiefs, or Titans.

Jerome McDougle DE 6-2 2646th Season NY Giants:
McDougle has dealt with a lot of adversity during his short career and unfortunately has never lived up to expectations despite always performing well in training camps. More than anything, he is happy to be alive considering his near-death experience of being shot in the abdomen. McDougle didn’t contribute much to the Giants, and now Osi Umenyiora is presumably coming back to join what should be a three-man end rotation with Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. Dave Tollefson (an exclusive rights free agent) figures to be the fourth. If there’s a fifth, it’ll come out of the draft. Look for McDougle to get one more shot in someone's training camp, he has shows great resiliency throughout his tough career.

Brett Romberg C 6-2 298 5th Season Rams:
Though a little undersized Romberg has been in the thick of the starting center position for the last few years in St. Louis. He started three games in 2006, nine games in 2007 and six games in 2008. Last year he broke his hand in training camp and lost the job to Nick Leckey. Romberg did end up starting the last 6 games of the season though. The Rams seems to like Romberg more than Leckey so look for them to re-sign Romberg.

Jonathan Vilma LB 6-1230 5th Season Saints:
Re-signing MLB Jonathan Vilma is the Saints' top priority. Vilma, who was traded to the Saints a year ago, is said to be very interested in re-upping with New Orleans, but the team will not strike a deal with him until Feb. 27 — the start of free agency — at the earliest, guaranteeing that Vilma will hit the open market. Signing him before then would force the Saints to give up higher draft picks to the Giants and Jets — first- and second-rounders, respectively, instead of second- and third-rounders — per the deals for TE Jeremy Shockey and Vilma. The Saints are optimistic he will be back and so are we. Unless someone throws a lot of money in Vilma's direction look for him to sign with the Saints as soon as he hits the market.

Nate Webster LB 6-0 232 9th Season Broncos:
Webster beat out free-agent Niko Koutouvides for the starting MLB spot last fall which was a huge surprise to many considering the large contract that was given to Koutouvides. The Denver defense last year was bad. Many people blamed Webster but the problems ran much deeper than him. The DL was atrocious and injuries took their toll as well with DJ Williams missing time as well as Webster. Koutouvides was recently cut by the Broncos, which could mean that the Broncos are interested in keeping Webster. If they do, look for him to be more of an insurance policy as he can backup all three LB positions or if Williams is moved back to MLB then Webster could find a spot on the outside.

2009 RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Rashad Butler OT 6-4 309 3rd Season Texans:
Butler is well-respected in the Texans organization because of his ability to overcome the disease: ulcerative colitis. This was the reason for Butler's inability to keep weight on during his days in Carolina. Since then he has been able to control the disease and played in 8 games in 2007. He didn't see much action in 2008, but look for the Texans to resign him for a league minimum resulting in 3 offensive lineman from the U on the Texans (Chris Myers, Eric Winston, Rashad Butler).

2009 EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

Orien Harris DL6-3 300 1st Season Bengals:
Harris was a standout in Saints camp in 2008 and was surprisingly released before the season started. The Bengals though, snatched him up quickly and Harris saw action in 14 games and started Week 6 against the Jets. He is an exclusive rights free agent; the team has already signed FB/TE Daniel Coats, who was the other player in that category. Look for the Bengals to re-sign him and in the off chance they don't, the Saints will be in the running for his services.

RELEASED

Ken Dorsey QB 6-4 215 6th Season Browns:
Dorsey struggled towards the end of last year when he was forced into action for four of the last five games of the season throwing zero touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Dorsey has always been limited physically but has been a great tutor for Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. If he lands anywhere it will probably be with Rob Chudzinski and the San Diego Chargers to mentor Phillip Rivers.

Najeh Davenport RB 6-1 247 7th Season Colts:
Najeh played 4 games for the Steelers last year in the middle of the season after being released in the offseason. He was then released by the Steelers and signed by the Colts where he played in two games before being released before the start of the playoffs. Davenports has shown he can still play both as a running back and also as a kickoff return man. In week 17 he had 8 carries for 26 yards along with four receptions for 54 yards. The knock on Davenport has always been his ability to stay healthy and stay in shape. Look for him to get signed by someone in need of RB depth and also special teams player.

From owner Steve Bisciotti to coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens have made it clear they want to bring back Ray Lewis.

But the Pro Bowl inside linebacker could be laying the groundwork to go elsewhere when free agency begins Friday.

According to Cowboys linebacker DeMarcus Ware, Lewis said it's his "dream" to play in Dallas and repeatedly expressed his desire to sign there.

"When we played Ray Lewis and Baltimore at the end of the season, he came over and pointed to my helmet. He said: 'I want to wear this star on my helmet. That's my dream ... that's my dream,'. " Ware told the Cowboys' official Web site. "When we got to the Pro Bowl, he did it again. He came at me every day. He's trying to get down where the star is. He told me he needed me to get him [owner] Jerry Jones' phone number for him. I just busted out laughing."

If the Ravens are unable to reach a new contract with Lewis in four days, he will become a free agent for the first time in his 13-year career.

While Lewis might be targeting Dallas, the feeling might not be mutual. The Cowboys are reportedly $10 million under the salary cap and likely will use most of that in signing Ware to a franchise-record contract.

Ware, who led the NFL with 20 sacks last season, said he doesn't believe Lewis is using the Cowboys as leverage against the Ravens.

"Believe me, he is genuine," Ware told the Cowboys' Web site. "He talked to me two years ago about it. He calls me about once a week and talks about it then. I even said: 'Hey, Ray, I'm tired about talking about this. You need to find Jerry Jones' number and fly out there and talk to him.'. "

(baltimoresun.com)

INDIANAPOLIS - The Ray Lewis rumors got a lot louder Thursday night.

The Jets left themselves perilously thin at inside linebacker, releasing veteran backups David Bowens and Brad Kassell - moves that could mean they're clearing the deck to pursue Lewis or Ravens teammate Bart Scott, another inside linebacker.

"They must be targeting a linebacker, probably from Baltimore," Bowens said in a phone interview.

New coach Rex Ryan, previously the Ravens' defensive coordinator, knows Lewis and Scott as well as anyone. Ryan has only one experienced inside linebacker under contract, David Harris, so it doesn't take a genius to connect the dots.

Lewis and Scott will be free agents on Feb. 27, although the Ravens are expected to make a push to sign Lewis before he hits the open market. The Ravens used their franchise tag on outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, effectively removing him from the market. Scott wants to stay in Baltimore, but he doubts that will happen.

"If you're able to keep all three of us, you'd almost have to be a miracle worker," he said Wednesday on Sirius Radio.

Lewis is a future Hall of Famer and has said he'd enjoy being reunited with Ryan, but Scott, 28, makes more sense to the Jets because he's nearly six years younger than Lewis. Scott will be one of the most coveted free agents in the league, but the Jets have $18 million in salary-cap space after gaining an additional $3 million with the release of Bowens and Kassell.

Jets' brass arrived here at the scouting combine with several pressing issues. They will meet Friday night with the agent for right guard Brandon Moore, who is due a $7 million roster bonus. The team poured a lot of money into the offensive line last offseason and wants to renegotiate his contract. Failing that, the Jets may release Moore, their best run blocker. He'd immediately become one of the top free-agent guards.

They also may part ways with tight end Chris Baker, another financially motivated decision. If he's on the roster March 5, the Jets would have to guarantee $9 million in salary over the next three years - a prohibitive amount at a position where they invested a first-round choice in Dustin Keller.

The Jets can use some of the savings for running back Leon Washington, whom they'd like to sign to a long-term deal. Washington, entering the final year of his contract, is likely seeking Darren Sproles money; the Chargers' all-purpose dynamo received the franchise tag - a cool $6.6 million for one year.

Meanwhile, the Jets lost a respected leader in Bowens, who started five games when Harris was hurt. Bowens recently underwent arthroscopic knee surgery.

"My knee was messed up since training camp," he said. "I could've sat down, but I sucked it up for the team. Was it worth it? Yeah, it was. I put the team ahead of me."

(nydailynews.com)

1. Ray Lewis, Ravens. Everyone has been saying all the right things, from Lewis wanting to remain a Raven to John Harbaugh basically saying the team will break the bank to keep him. But teammate Terrell Suggs is likely to get the franchise tag, which means the Ravens will have to re-sign Lewis in the next week or he'll reach the market. If Suggs gets tagged, he would tie up $10.2 million in cap money, which wouldn't leave a whole lot of cash for Lewis. Despite his advancing age, Lewis is coming off a strong season. If he reaches the market, the Jets and Cowboys would be possible landing spots.

3. Jonathan Vilma, Saints. The good news is the Saints don't have any other top-level free agents, so they could put the tag on Vilma. But it probably won't be necessary because Vilma wants to return to New Orleans after his stellar comeback season. Vilma is athletic, fast and instinctive and can still make plays all over the field.

(sportingnews.com)

Since Day 1, Ray Lewis has been the face of the Baltimore Ravens. Teammates and fans have deemed him irreplaceable. The head coach and owner have publicly proclaimed their willingness to shell out huge sums to retain his services. But despite all of this, should Lewis receive monster offers from other teams hoping to add his production and leadership, the prudent move for the Ravens would be to let him walk.

That thinking probably borders on sacrilege in Baltimore, but professional football is an unsentimental business. Heck, the Ravens know that all too well. They just jettisoned one of the best players in franchise history, cornerback Chris McAllister, and they need to be willing to do the same with Lewis should the bidding get out of hand.

Now, understand, I'm not calling for the Ravens to kick Lewis to the curb. Quite the contrary. I think the Ravens should make a strong effort to bring him back so he can pick up where he left off in 2008. But they can't allow their emotions to get the best of them when making this business decision.

After coach John Harbaugh's and owner Steve Bisciotti's public proclamations, it may already be too late. Bisciotti has even intimated the team will allow Lewis to test the market and then beat any offer Lewis receives to ensure he finishes his career with the Ravens. Whether or not that's true, the Ravens shouldn't have said so publicly, because it only hurts their ability to negotiate.

I suspect Lewis wants to stay in Baltimore, but is doing everything he can to drive up his value and get the Ravens to pony up. That may be why he's flirting with every team from the Dallas Cowboys to the New York Jets. More power to him, but hopefully the Ravens won't fall for it. The Cowboys, Jets or any other team would be foolish to shell out a ton of guaranteed money to a player who will be 34 when training camp starts in July. Despite his stellar '08 season, he's a declining player. Father Time is undefeated in NFL annals. Whichever team signs Lewis is going to get a player whose production will likely slip every year.

Let's be real clear about something. Lewis is the best linebacker I ever played against. By far. I started against him in 2004 and was amazed with how well-prepared he was and how much of a technician he could be. I remember thinking after the game that was what a Hall of Fame player was like. Every fan watching on TV can see his combination of size and speed. His ferociousness is evident from the last row in the stadium. But it is the other things that separate the good from the great in the NFL. He called out what play we were running a handful of times and was heading toward the running back's eventual path before I even snapped the ball on more than one occasion. Even when I did get to him, his butt-and-shed technique for disengaging from the block was picture perfect.

That said, the Ravens still need to be willing to move on. Lewis' potential suitors are attempting to pay not just for his tackling-ability, but also for his presence in the locker room and on the field as a leader. Too bad it doesn't work like that in the NFL, where leadership isn't for sale. The Jets learned that last year by naming Brett Favre and Alan Faneca captains. There is a process to becoming a franchise leader. Lewis has perfected that process in Baltimore, but that doesn't mean his show will play elsewhere. His presence is most widely felt in Baltimore and both he and the Ravens realize that.

Lewis is one of those rare players whose infectious personality can affect those around him. Ravens defensive tackle Justin Bannan was an average player in Buffalo. Now he is one of the better run-stuffing interior linemen in the league. Lewis had a similar effect on former Bills' defensive back Jim Leonhard.

Speaking of Leonhard, he is just one of the reasons why the Ravens can't break the bank for Lewis. They have ascending players in their prime such as Terrell Suggs, Jason Brown and Leonhard, as well as underrated and overshadowed linebacker Bart Scott, also a free agent, to worry about.

Scott's not the same talent Lewis is, but he's close enough that the Ravens need to consider signing him over Lewis if they can get Scott at about 70 cents on the Ray Lewis' dollar. Scott is an extremely physical player and an outstanding blitzer who is just 28 and didn't see any regular action his first three years in the league.

Who knows, maybe the Ravens already have this whole thing figured out. Maybe the public proclamations from Harbaugh and Bisciotti are intended to scare teams that might have an interest in Lewis. As in, don't waste your time because we will beat your offer and Ray doesn't want to leave anyway. Those teams might be worried that any negotiations they hold with Lewis would really just aid the Ravens.

One more thing. Spare me that talk about how much Lewis cares about the city of Baltimore and the Ravens' organization. If he truly cared as much as he has professed, he would be willing to take a little bit less money in order to ensure the Ravens can keep as many of their free agents as possible. If Suggs is willing to take a "hometown" discount, why can't the ultimate Raven?

The Ravens must attempt to keep Lewis in the fold ... but only if the price is right.

(cnnsi.com)

Free agent Ray Lewis reportedly irritated the Ravens' front office last week by saying he'd welcome playing for the Cowboys or Jets.

Beat writer Mike Preston concedes it was "posturing" and anticipates owner Steve Bisciotti caving to Lewis' demands. Lewis is expected to command $9 million annually on a three-year contract. That'd be quite a haul for a linebacker turning 34 who wore down during the stretch run last season.

(rotoworld.com)

Baltimore Sun writer Mike Preston believes that free agent Ray Lewis' play faded down the stretch of last season.

The Ravens reportedly noticed Lewis was wearing down and limited him in practices during the second half of the season. This will be something to for teams courting Lewis, 34 in May, to consider if he makes it to free agency.

(rotoworld.com)

Miami Beach, Florida (PRWEB) February 13, 2009 -- Ray Lewis, former two-time NFL defensive player of the year, acquired oceanfront property in the Paradise Is Mine development of Rum Cay in the Bahamas. Lewis, a ten-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and an avid fisherman and sportsman, selected Rum Cay, which is famous for its fishing boasting world record Wahoo, yellowfin tuna, snapper, bonefish and dolphin. Rum Cay provides Lewis the perfect venue to continue to catch dolphins and other fish fresh off the heels of his team's 27-9 victory over the Miami Dolphins in this year's NFL playoffs.

Rum Cay, located 345 miles southeast of Miami, is in close proximity to where Lewis played his college football for the University of Miami Hurricanes. Rum Cay is a quiet Bahamian island known for its untouched natural beauty, scenic harbors and spectacular oceanfront views. It has earned the moniker as the "unspoiled jewel of the Bahamas." The Paradise Is Mine lots on the eastern shore of Rum Cay are regarded by many people as one of the prime locations in the Bahamas and the Caribbean for future development. "Paradise Is Mine even named my street after me, 52 Lewis Lane," Lewis went on to say.

Lewis further states, "Rum Cay is truly a tropical paradise and is a great place for me to kick back and relax after a long NFL season. My corner of paradise is right on the ocean and it's very peaceful. I love it." Lewis, a former Superbowl MVP, recently off his busy schedule of off-season activities plans on building a house on Rum Cay in the near future. "Paradise is Mine couldn't be more descriptive of my oceanfront lot. There are few places in the world like Rum Cay. It's quiet, tranquil and very beautiful," Lewis recently stated. Lewis is joining the ever growing ranks of celebrities and athletes who are purchasing property on Rum Cay. "Who wouldn't want to live in paradise. Rum Cay is like discovering paradise before anybody else does."

(prweb.com)

IRVING — Now that the Dan Reeves deal is dead, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones needs to do whatever it takes to get Baltimore Ravens free agent linebacker Ray Lewis to Dallas.

If Jones is going to keep coach Wade Phillips and bring back combustible wide receiver Terrell Owens, then Jones needs to add Lewis to the mix. Now that would be a change Cowboys fans can believe in.

Forget all this change that the Cowboys have been talking about since the end of what was the most disappointing and underachieving season in team history. Phillips said he was going to change his ways and get tougher. Jones said he was going to re-examine how he goes about his business. And just the other day in an exclusive interview with CBS 11’s Babe Laufenberg, quarterback Tony Romo said he would be a different leader next season. He also said the entire team was focused on digging inside to make amends for last season and build something special in 2009.

Let’s be honest, based on their history and personalities, it’s hard to buy what the three are selling. Remember, they also made promises of Super Bowl grandeur following the 13-3 regular season and first-round playoff exit in 2007 only to reward the fans with last season’s downright criminal finish.

If the Cowboys really want to take a cue from the best change agent going today -- President Barack Obama -- and his "it’s about time, it’s about change" motto, then they need to do something bold and bad.

That means making a run at Lewis, who has put the Cowboys on the short list of teams he’d consider leaving the Ravens for. Even though Lewis will be 34 in March, he is still a highly-productive player and would make a nice fit next to Bradie James at inside linebacker.

But more importantly, the 13-year veteran brings leadership. He is the quintessential fiery team leader the Cowboys need. He is not afraid to say what’s on his mind and hold his teammates accountable. There are few players in the league respected more than Lewis for his leadership. He is the veritable E.F. Hutton of the NFL. When Lewis talks, players listen. That was never more evident than in last Sunday’s Pro Bowl when Lewis gave a fiery pregame speech that was more fitting for a Super Bowl than this meaningless exhibition game. Yet, big money and big-time stars from all over the AFC listened as Lewis passionately implored them to do something special out there.

Full disclosure here, I wasn’t initially on board with the team going after Lewis primarily because of his age and the exorbitant price tag he comes with. Plus, his celebrity status would seemingly add to the circus atmosphere already surrounding this team. But as the days have passed since the end of the season and the more the Cowboys talked (and said nothing) and the more others haven’t talked, I’m now convinced getting Lewis is a must, especially if the team decides to keep Owens on the roster.

Right now, Owens is the biggest, baddest and most dominant personality in the Cowboys locker room and it’s not even close. The scope of his power and influence goes unchallenged.

Now I don’t believe Owens is the antichrist and the source of all that ills the Cowboys. Jones gave you a little insight into his opinion on the subject when he tried to bring in Reeves to help oversee the Cowboys offense in addition to helping Phillips bring some discipline to the organization.

And Owens’ mouth had little to do with Romo’s penchant for turnovers and poor play in December or the offensive line breakdowns.

Still, the lack of leaders can’t be overlooked. Safety and special teams ace Keith Davis is arguably the team’s best leader. He talks the talk and walks the walk and will challenge anyone at any time.

Ask rookie tight end Martellus Bennett.

But Davis’ sphere of influence is too small. He is a primarily a special teamer and he might not be back next year.

Romo is the one who should be the team’s undisputed leader but, according to teammates, he is too non-confrontational to take on Owens.

That’s why the Cowboys need to bring another big dog into the locker room. That’s why they need Lewis. He will give the players someone else to look up to, someone else to follow. And if need be, he would provide the hammer to take back control of the locker room.

Financially speaking, it’s going to take a pretty penny to get Lewis out of Baltimore, but it won’t be impossible. The Ravens are unlikely to put the franchise tag on him and guarantee him $11.3 million next year. But the Ravens have said they are ready to pay a lot of money to keep Lewis.

But the facts are he is open to coming to the Cowboys. And it’s an idea that is growing legs within the Cowboys complex. Of course it will take some salary-cap magic. The key is how many years and trying to make it work in an unfavorable economic climate.

And then there’s the little matter of the Cowboys already making the signing of DeMarcus Ware to a contract extension their first priority of the off-season. Ware will surely get the richest contract in team history and one of the richest in NFL history.

But the Cowboys have worked magic before. And as of now, this is something the Cowboys must do to win back the fans and generate some excitement for next season. It’s especially necessary if they choose to bring back Owens.

The Cowboys promised change in hopes of finally and desperately making a Super Bowl run next season or at least a playoff win. Well, if the Cowboys want change the fans can believe in, then they need to sign Ray Lewis for 2010.

(star-telegram.com)

There has been a lot of bantering and posturing between the Ravens and Pro Bowl inside linebacker Ray Lewis, whose contract is about to expire allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent.

But the two sides aren't expected to enter serious negotiations until somewhere between Feb 18-24, dates for the annual NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis.

Lewis' agent will be there as will Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, and that's when the two sides can hammer out a deal, if they agree to one.

There haven't been any serious negotiations between the two sides.

During the AFC championship game, I posted a blog entry about Ray Lewis possibly signing with Dallas during the offseason.

Of course, some people thought I was making it up. But Monday, The Dallas Morning News' beat writer Calvin Watkins, a former Sun employee, confirmed on Fox Sports 1370 AM that Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens had told him Lewis called Owens last summer, and wanted the receiver to speak with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Watkins also said that he believed that Deion Sanders was also involved in the Cowboys' recruiting of Lewis.

(baltimoresun.com)

NFL.com's Adam Schefter reports that it would cost the Ravens $11.3136 million to franchise tag free agent Ray Lewis.

It would give Lewis the highest salary of any linebacker in history, at age 34. Schefter points out that the franchise tag must be either 120% of a player's last year salary or an average of the top five players' salaries at the position, whichever is greater. For Lewis, the 120% raise is greater.

(rotoworld.com)

March 31, 2008: Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti tells The Baltimore Sun the franchise is in an "open dialogue" with Ray Lewis about his contract situation. "If he becomes a free agent next year, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams," Bisciotti said. "We know Ray's value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. We know the commitment and the effort he gives to winning."

November 2008: In the week leading up to the Nov. 30 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Lewis tells The Sun he hopes the Ravens don't use the franchise tag on him. ""If the season ends and I'm a totally free agent, for the first time in my life I will be totally free," Lewis said. "You know what that feels like for a man? It's one thing to deal with a contract. It's one thing to deal with life without a contract. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel to make my own decision."

Jan. 21, 2009: Bisciotti tells the media he isn't planning on using the franchise tag to keep Lewis in Baltimore for the 2009 season. "Ray is not going to settle for something that he thinks is way below" his market value, Bisciotti said. "If he wants to go out there and maximize his money and somebody is desperate for that kind of leadership, then there may be a big gap. And I'm not going to say to Oz [general manager Ozzie Newsome]: Go do it under any circumstances."

Jan. 25, 2009: Linebacker Terrell Suggs suggests to Sirius NFL Radio that he, Lewis and Bart Scott give the Ravens a discount so all three free agents can return to Baltimore. "We've already seen one of our other brothers [linebacker Adalius Thomas] walk," Suggs said. "We really don't want to see too many more of us walk away from the city of Baltimore. Hopefully we all can stay, definitely, on a home discount."

Jan. 28, 2009: Former Ravens tight end Shannon Sharpe tells The Sun he advised Lewis to re-sign with the team. "I told Ray: 'Consider returning. You're like [John] Elway in Denver and [Dan] Marino in Miami. They should erect a statue of you next to Johnny Unitas. That's the kind of impact you've had in Baltimore. That should mean something to you.'"

Jan. 29, 2009: Lewis is noncommittal about his return to Baltimore in his first comments to the media since the Ravens' 23-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC championship game. "What I'm thinking, nobody needs to know," Lewis said. "I've given my prayers to God. It's between me and him. It's nobody else's business. That's between me and God."

Feb. 4, 2009: Lewis tells the NFL Network that he won't offer the Ravens a hometown discount for his services. "I don't play less," Lewis said. "If you don't play less, you don't take less. That's just life."

Feb. 8, 2009: Ravens coach John Harbaugh tells USA Today he's optimistic about the team's chances to re-sign Ray Lewis. "Steve [Bisciotti, team owner] said he thinks we'll be willing to pay more than anybody else," Harbaugh said. "I know Ray has to take a look around. But I'm definitely convinced that Ray wants to finish his career a Baltimore Raven. And there's no question the Baltimore Ravens definitely want Ray."

(baltimoresun.com)

Preakness organizers recently announced live musical performances would replace allowing fans to bring their own liquor store as the primary way to sell tickets to the illustrious horse race. Since the only Buckcherry songs I know I learned at Night Shift, I decided to delve deeper into the band's musical library.

It was during my personal listening party that I heard a little ditty titled "Don't Go Away."

Here's a snippet:

"All the things you said

And all the games we played

Will come back to you

See the look in your eyes

Ooooh, don't go away

Please don't go away

You're making a mistake

You and I were meant to be

Please don't go away

You're making a mistake"

Besides making me long for my days at Night Shift, it made me think of ol' No. 52, and all the reasons why Ray Lewis should stay a Raven:

52. You had us at "hello."
51. Your baby mommas always will know where to find you.
50. If you leave, how do we know the team won't pack up and move to Terre Haute, Ind., in the middle of the night?
49. Like steamed crabs, Berger Cookies and a high murder rate, you are entrenched in this community.
48. When Mr. Ray of Mr. Ray's Hair Weave died, you filled our entertaining-guys-named-Ray void. We have no successor if you leave.
47. Good luck finding another team with not one, not two, but three mascots.
46. No other defense is good enough for you.
45. Now that The Examiner is going out of business, you'll only have to deal with reporters from The Sun -- and you know that'll be a cakewalk.
44. Matt Stover admitted he would say "darn it" if you left.
43. I've heard what opposing fans say about you at road games. We would never say those things about your momma. Ever. Unless you leave.
42. Because of you, I no longer think fur is murder.
41. Trying to spot you in the crowd is the only reason to watch Maryland Basketball.
40. Keon Lattimore still has some unpaid parking tickets at Mount St. Joseph that need to be addressed.
39. It's not a great time to put a mansion with purple-painted walls on the market.
38. Your departure may cause business at Ray Lewis' Full Moon BBQ to suffer. Oh, wait.
37. You would earn about $9.4 million this year if you get slapped with the franchise tag. In this economy, that's a pretty good wage. It's like making 15 bucks in 1779.
36. No one is going to rename Martin Luther King Boulevard after you with that attitude.
35. Next to the Aquarium and Duck Boats, you are our biggest tourist attraction.
34. Who is going to keep rapper Nelly relevant, while at the same time make me get my freak on during pregame introductions?
33. A couple more Pro Bowl seasons and that spot in the Great Blacks in Wax Museum is yours, baby.
32. Steve Bisciotti thinks you're neat.
31. I can't afford to shell out another $100 for a new Ravens Fathead.
30. There is so much unfinished business at Eastern Motors.
29. No one gives glory to God like you.
28. Shannon Sharpe told you to.
27. I'll have to buy a new Ravens jersey. (Don't be selfish, Ray. I just lost my job.)
26. You are the best bowler in town - and that's saying something around these parts.
25. Dallas Cowboys?
24. Terrell Owens has mocked you -- on more than one occasion.
23. Tony Romo is a sissy.
22. I heard the roof on the Cowboys' new stadium is structurally unsound.
21. Ed Reed doesn't play in Dallas.
20. The Mayor of Dallas doesn't just hand out gift cards on a whim.
19. Miami Dolphins?
18. Do you really want to share a locker room with Joey Porter?
17. You think wearing purple is bad -- have you seen the Dolphins' uniforms?
16. Anita Marks will probably follow you to South Beach.
15. Haloti Ngata doesn't play in Miami.
14. The Mayor of Miami doesn't just hand out gift cards on a whim.
13. New York Jets?
12. Rex Ryan told me he never wanted to see you again.
11. Good luck finding a one-room co-op in Manhattan in your price range.
10. The media doesn't play in New York.
9. The Mayor of New York doesn't hand out gift cards on whim, but he does hand out million-dollar gifts to Johns Hopkins.
8. Cal Ripken Jr. stuck around -- even after the Orioles' dogged his dad.
7. When Adalius Thomas, Jamie Sharper and Edgerton Hartwell left, they were never the same. If you leave, we will never be the same.
6. The person in charge of placing the 2x4 piece of grass on the field for your introduction will probably be out of a job.
5. Purple and black brings out the black and blue in your eyes.
4. Johnny U didn't look right in another uniform and neither will you.
3. You finally have a quarterback.
2. The job here is incomplete.
1. What's your name? Ravens.

(baltimoreexaminer.com)

HONOLULU — Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, 33, says his best football is ahead of him and he will "be buckling up a chin strap for someone at the beginning of next season. Whatever happens, happens."

Though the impending free agent talked on the NFL Network about the possibility of reuniting with ex-Ravens defensive coordinator and new New York Jets coach Rex Ryan as well as saying flattering things about the Dallas Cowboys, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is convinced a deal can be struck to allow the two-time defensive player of the year to end his career as a Raven.

Owner Steve Bisciotti has said he's putting his wife on a budget to be able to afford Lewis, fellow linebackers Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott, center Jason Brown and safety Jim Leonhard, who all become free agents Feb. 27.

"Ray Lewis is going to be a guy we're going to pay a lot of money to in order to keep," Harbaugh said before coaching the AFC in Sunday's Pro Bowl. "Steve said he thinks we'll be willing to pay more than anybody else.

"I know Ray has to take a look around. But I'm definitely convinced that Ray wants to finish his career a Baltimore Raven. And there's no question the Baltimore Ravens definitely want Ray."

(usatoday.com)

Clinton Portis: 5 carries for 18 yards and 2 receptions for 18 yards

Reggie Wayne: 4 receptions for 45 yards

Andre Johnson: 2 receptions for 29 yards

Ray Lewis: 3 tackles

Jon Beason: 4 tackles

Jeff Feagles: 4 punts with a 48.5-yard average

Ray Lewis to the Jets?

Sure sounds intriguing, especially given that new coach Rex Ryan was Lewis' defensive coordinator with the Ravens.

But before you get too worked up about the hard-hitting Lewis joining forces with Ryan with the Jets, a lot has to happen before there can be a deal.

For starters, Lewis has to get to free agency in the first place. The Ravens are interested in bringing him back, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that they will make a run at keeping him before the free-agency signing period begins Feb. 27

But league sources tell me the team is almost certain to let him get to free agency, if only to allow him to satisfy his own curiosity about how much he can make on the open market. Lewis will command a salary in the range of $9 million to $10 million per season (if not more), and though he still is an elite player, that is an awful lot to pay a 33-year-old inside linebacker.

Yes, Lewis gives you instant leadership and a commanding presence on the inside. But he alone cannot be expected to transform the Jets' underachieving defense. They already have a quality inside presence in David Harris, who might not be in Lewis' class just yet but is a rising young player. What this team needs is a better pass rush.

Salary is another problem. The Jets are limited in terms of salary-cap space, and Brett Favre's situation only complicates matters. The Jets will give him some more time to ponder whether he wants to play; in the meantime, his $13- million salary for 2009 still counts against the salary cap.

Lewis said he'd want Favre to be on the team this season, but if both players were to be on the roster, the Jets would be unable to maintain their salary-cap numbers without releasing other players.

With Ryan in only his first season as coach, he'd more likely be interested in keeping a larger number of younger players rather than investing more than $20 million in two players near the end of their careers.

There is no denying Lewis' potential impact on the Jets, or any other team. But Favre proved last year that the Jets weren't just one offensive player away from making a Super Bowl run. Same goes for the defense in 2009. Lewis alone won't make a big enough difference to justify the cost.

(newsday.com)

OWINGS MILLS — Star middle linebacker Ray Lewis doesn’t plan to grant the Baltimore Ravens the hometown discount that team owner Steve Bisciotti is hoping for.

And the impending unrestricted free agent and 10-time Pro Bowl selection said that he’s open to playing for the New York Jets or the Dallas Cowboys.

During an interview with the NFL Network while preparing for the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, the two-time NFL De-fensive Player of the Year made it clear that he isn’t inclined to leave money on the table to remain in Baltimore.

"I don’t play less," Lewis said during a seven-minute interview. "If you don’t play less, you don’t take less. That’s just life."

Bisciotti and Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs have both recently broached the idea that Lewis could opt to stay with the Ravens by not maximizing his financial demands. And Bisciotti offered the opinion that Lewis can make more money in Baltimore than elsewhere.

"I’ve been hopeful forever that we’re going to work a deal," Bisciotti said last month. "I don’t think that other people are going to value Ray Lewis higher than we do. We know what he brings to the table. He’s showing at 33 that he’s capable of playing like a 28-year-old. So, I’ve got my wife on a budget already to try and save some money so we can sign him. ..

"Ray is not going2 0to settle for something that he thinks is way below. Are we going to get a hometown dis-count? I hope so, I really do. I hope I get a discount so I can find another Jimmy Leonhard with the money we save."

However, Lewis seems open to testing the market when the free agent signing period begins Feb. 27, provided that he hasn’t been re-signed by Baltimore. Of course, Lewis might just be saying that to get the Ravens to think that he’ll sign quickly if he makes it to free agency to try to get the team to increase their offer.

One team Lewis has been linked to in rumors is the Cowboys even though owner Jerry Jones has said that he in-tends to spend most of his money signing outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware to a contract extension.

Lewis has a history of clashing with controversial wide receiver Terrell Owens, who imitated Lewis’ trademark dance after scoring a touchdown against Baltimore in 2004 after his trade to the Ravens was nullified and he joined the Philadelphia Eagles. During interviews, Owens has brought up the murder charges filed and dropped against Lewis in 2000.

Nonetheless, Lewis, at least outwardly, doesn’t have an issue with Owens.

"I can definitely play with T.O," Lewis said. "I think T.O. is a great, great person. I just love him. I love his work ethic. I love everything about him. So, playing with T.O. is easy."

Easy probably doesn’t describe conquering the Cowboys’ rampant locker room chemistry problems, many of which involve Owens. However, Lewis struck a confident stance that all the team needs after a disastrous season is "one general," to unify the franchise.

"I don’t see all of that outside stuff that they’re talking about what goes on in Dallas," Lewis said. "I see Dallas as a great opportunity. It’s always been America’s Team. It’s just a great place to play football."

Meanwhile, Lewis regards New York as a strong potential destination largely due to the presence of former Ra-vens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as the Jets’ newly-minted head coach.

Of course, there would likely be a lot of possible endorsement opportunities/extra income for Lewis in a big market like New York.

"That opportunity by itself looks attractive," Lewis said. "That just sounds right. It’s like, ‘Wow, if something does happen where you’re not back in Baltimore, the Jets wouldn’t be bad.’

"You go take a young Jets team that has a lot of talent across the board. You wiggle 52 into that equation, then that team goes from just being OK to ‘let’s go win this.’ That scenario is attractive."

Lewis emphasized that he hasn’t talked to Ryan yet about the Jets. A conversation like that would be a violation of NFL tampering rules even though that rule is rarely enforced.

Until Lewis is officially a free agent, the Ravens have exclusive negotiating rights.

Lewis didn’t shut the door on returning to Baltimore and extending his 13-year tenure after being drafted in the first round out of the University of Miami in 1996 prior to the Ravens’ inaugural season.

Lewis did seem bothered that the Ravens haven’t already addressed his contract status since this is the first time in his career that he has ever been allowed to approach free agency. In the past, the Ravens had always extended Lewis’ contract well in advance of free agency.

"The uncomfortable thing about me is that I’m even having this conversation," Lewis said. "With everything I’ve given to that city, I’ve always felt that this is one conversation that I would never have and didn’t want to have. That scenario in Baltimore, that’s nothing I don’t love about my city."

(carrollcountytimes.com)

A week ago at the Super Bowl in Tampa, Ray Lewis refused to discuss his impending free agency as he made the rounds on "radio row" in the media center. On Wednesday night at the Pro Bowl, he was a chatterbox in an interview with Jamie Dukes of the NFL Network.

Maybe the warm Hawaiian breezes loosened him up. (Or a Mai Tai or two.) Or maybe his agent told him to start playing the posturing game. Anyway, the Ravens' linebacker had nice some things to say about the Jets, who - in case you've been sleeping for a month - are coached by Lewis' former defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan.

Lewis spoke highly of Ryan, and when asked about the prospect of a reunion in New York, Lewis said, "That opportunity by itself seems attractive. It sounds right. It's like, wow, if something does happen where I'm not back in Baltimore, hmm, the Jets wouldn't be bad."

Discussing the possibility of playing in the No. 1 media market, Lewis said that would be a positive, not a negative. Referring to New York, Lewis said "it's a young Jets team that has a lot of talent across the board where if you (add) 52 in that equation, that team goes from being okay to 'Let's go win this.' That scenario by itself is always attractive."

Chew on that, Jets fans.

(nydailynews.com)

The Cowboys are rumored to be interested in Ravens ILB Ray Lewis. The 10-time Pro Bowler made it clear that he's intrigued by the thought of playing for the Cowboys.

In an interview with the NFL Network (via the Baltimore Sun via Pro Football Talk), Lewis said he wouldn't take a hometown discount to stay in Baltimore. He mentioned the Cowboys and Jets, who just hired ex-Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan as head coach, as attractive options.

Lewis declared that the Cowboys need "one general" when asked about the dysfunctional Valley Ranch atmosphere. He said that needs to be a player, not a coach. And he obviously believes he'd be a great fit for the job.

"I don't see all of that outside stuff that they're talking about what goes on in Dallas," Lewis said. "I see Dallas as a great opportunity. It's always been America's Team. It's just a great place to play football."

(dallasnews.com)

Ray Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens' 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker, said it is "sad" that the NFL All-Star game is being moved from Hawaii for at least one year. Next year's game is in Miami and Lewis, who lives in Florida, said he might not play in it if selected.

"Yeah. Seriously. That's no vacation going to your same city," said Lewis, who played college football at Miami. "I live in Florida, so why am I going to drive my car and say 'Hey, I think I'll go play in the Pro Bowl right down the road.'

"I just don't see that as being as exciting as an honor coming to Hawaii, really just learning things new. Seeing something different. You know, because what you have to understand is, wherever the Pro Bowl is at, somebody plays in that city, lives in that city. You don't want to go have a good time in that same city. You want to take your family and go on a vacation."

Next year's Pro Bowl is set for Miami after 30 years in Hawaii and will be played a week before the Super Bowl. Beyond 2010, the game's location is uncertain, although the Hawaii Tourism Authority is in negotiations with the NFL to bring it back to the islands.

The NFL has said it would like to keep Hawaii in the rotation.

"Sad. Sad day," Lewis added. "I just look at it as a great opportunity, when you work so hard in all these different states and all these different cities and things like that, and your reward is to be voted to the Pro Bowl in this getaway. Get away from your normal life. Hawaii is probably one of the greatest places on this Earth and just to have the connection of being over here, to be away from everybody else ... that's the reward. To think about it never being here again, that's not a good thing."

(starbulletin.com)

TAMPA, FLA. - In his first comments to the Baltimore media this offseason, Ray Lewis yesterday was noncommittal about his chances of staying with the Ravens.

Lewis, 33, will become an unrestricted free agent in 29 days unless the Ravens use the franchise tag on him or the Pro Bowl linebacker strikes a new deal with the team. It would mark the first time in Lewis' 13-year career that the face of the Ravens' franchise reached free agency.

"What I'm thinking, nobody needs to know," said Lewis, who was at the Super Bowl promoting Xbox 360 and the Madden Bowl. "I've given my prayers to God. It's between me and him. It's nobody else's business. That's between me and God."

Lewis' situation likely will go down as the biggest offseason story line in Ravens history. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti as well as former and current teammates have talked publicly about Lewis' future.

At his season-ending news conference, Bisciotti said he has been "hopeful forever" that the Ravens would sign Lewis to a new deal and didn't foresee using the franchise tag to keep him off the free-agent market.

Asked about the franchise tag, Lewis shrugged his shoulders.

"I just hope they do whatever is best for the organization," he said. "Take me out of it."

So, Lewis wouldn't mind the tag?

"It doesn't matter," he said. "It's whatever God has in his plans."

Players designated with the franchise tag are forced to accept a one-year contract at a salary based on the average of the NFL's five highest-paid players at that position.

Fellow linebacker Terrell Suggs recently said all three free-agent linebackers (Lewis, Suggs and Bart Scott) could stay together if they gave the Ravens "a home discount."

"What he really is talking about is a brotherhood," Lewis said.

"That's the reason why we played so passionately. There's a commitment to each other. A lot of times in life, you don't like to see that go. But it's business. It happens."

Bisciotti also suggested the possibility of receiving a hometown discount from the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Asked whether he intended to test the free-agent market if he isn't franchised, Lewis said: "It's irrelevant. I haven't had any emotions about it. For me to talk about it, that would be selfish."

Lewis had one of his best seasons in recent years, finishing with 117 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

But this season was one of Lewis' favorites because of what the Ravens were able to accomplish.

"This was one of the rides because you had doubts early about whether the coaching could mesh and whether [ Joe] Flacco could play," Lewis said with a smile.

"As a team, we said: 'Let's just go play and see how good we could be. Everybody is picking us to be last in the division anyway, so why not go play?' That's what's fun - being the underdog."

Though the Ravens fell one game short of reaching the Super Bowl, the championship memories hit Lewis yesterday.

He returned to Tampa, the site of the Ravens' Super Bowl victory over the New York Giants eight years ago. He said he could still envision the confetti falling.

"Once you're a champion, you never forget that feeling," he said.

Lewis also made the point that whatever happens, he'll never forget his relationship with the fans of Baltimore.

"I love my city, know that," Lewis said. "It will always be my city."

(baltimoresun.com)

Ray Lewis had avoided the reporters who cover the Ravens since the end of the season until the Baltimore Sun tracked him down in Tampa yesterday.

Lewis was noncommittal about whether he'd re-sign with the Ravens or depart in free agency.

"What I'm thinking, nobody needs to know," Lewis said. "I've given my prayers to God. It's between me and him. It's nobody else's business. That's between me and God."

We'll see whether Jerry Jones can get involved in that conversation.

(dallasnews.com)

The Ravens' Ray Lewis will be among a group of players in the NFL Players All-Star Choir that will perform at the 10th Anniversary Super Bowl Gospel Celebration in Tampa on Friday.

Lewis, who has made several appearances locally to proclaim his faith, also participated in the gospel choir last year.

In addition, former Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Tony Dungy will be honored at the program that has some of gospel's top artists performing, including Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker and Marvin Sapp.

The 10th anniversary Super Bowl Gospel Celebration comes to the University of South Florida Sun Dome at 7:30 p.m. Friday, with a fast-paced, high-energy show that combines God, gridiron and Grammy-award winning singers.

Tickets range from $25 to $95, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the NFL YET (Youth Education Town) Tampa Bay. Local YET participants ages 6 to 18 will open the concert with a performance of their own.

For information and to order tickets, go to superbowlgospelcelebration.com. The Tampa Tribune is one of the sponsors of the event.

(baltimoresun.com)

Let's be very clear about this: We are not making fun of Ray Lewis.  No sane person does.

But the fearsome Baltimore Ravens linebacker may hear some snickers next time he's in the locker room after filming a Super Bowl commercial in a leotard.

Patriots tackle Matt Light told the Boston Globe about the SoBe Life Water ad that is being touted as the first Super Bowl ad that's in high def and 3-D, and which also includes the Giants' Justin Tuck.  All three players wear white leotards while dancing with "lizards, aliens and monsters," Light said, and, "It’s a heck of a funny spot."

"You'll get to see yours truly, wearing a leotard, in 3-D -- if that doesn't get you excited, I don't know what will," said Light. To see the spot's promo photo, click here.

((usatoday.com)

On Showtime's Inside the NFL Wednesday night, Warren Sapp said this about Ray Lewis' contract situation (according to a network news release):

"I will tell you what, if this team lets Ray Lewis go, you are starting back from scratch. I don’t think that’s possible. Losing your defensive coordinator, then losing your emotional leader and the staple to your franchise all at one time, then you are going back to the Stone Age. There’s no way they can allow that to happen. They have to give him a two-year deal, something that sets up everybody in the right form, and finish this thing out the right way

(baltimoresun.com)

The Ravens aren't planning to use the franchise tag on Ray Lewis to keep the 10-time Pro Bowl linebacker off the free-agent market, owner Steve Bisciotti said today.

Bisciotti said he wants to sign Lewis to a new contract, but brought up a scenario in which Lewis might take a lesser contract from the Ravens in order to finish his career here.

"Are we going to get a hometown discount? I hope so. I really do," Bisciotti said of the 13-year veteran who has played his entire career with the Ravens. "That means we can find one more Jimmy Leonhard on the free-agent market with the money we save."

Lewis was not available for comment today. He also was not made available to reporters after the Ravens' AFC championship game loss in Pittsburgh or the day after when players cleaned out their lockers.

Now, the Ravens have 36 days to sign Lewis before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on Feb. 27.

There have been a few notable instances where star players have taken less to help the team, and Bisciotti pointed specifically at New England quarterback Tom Brady.

In May 2005, Brady signed a six-year, $60 million extension that paid him less guaranteed money and a lower total value than contracts signed at the time by Peyton Manning (seven years, $98 million) and Michael Vick (10 years, $130 million).

But the Ravens can't bank on Lewis to make the same sacrifice. Unlike Brady, Lewis, 33, is likely looking at his last contract.

"Ray is not going to settle for something that he thinks is way below [his market value]," Bisciotti said. "If he wants to go out there and maximize his money and somebody is desperate for that kind of leadership, then there may be a big gap. And I'm not going to say to Oz [general manager Ozzie Newsome]: Go do it under any circumstances."

Lewis had one of his better seasons in recent years, finishing with 117 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

The Ravens had talked in the offseason about limiting his snaps in passing situations to save the wear and tear on his body. But Lewis remained an every-down linebacker and played a full 16 games for the first time since 2003 (when he won his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award).

Ravens officials have said Lewis' value to the Ravens goes beyond tackles and sacks.

"There are very few people that I know in sports that transcends their statistics, and we had the luxury of watching Cal Ripken simultaneously do the same thing to the Orioles," Bisciotti said. "I think they bring a sense of continuity and leadership that we're all looking for. I think Ray has given Baltimore that. I certainly don't want to see him in another uniform."

Bisciotti said he has spoken with Lewis about the contract situation but only in general terms. The owner said his friendship with Lewis wouldn't influence negotiations, which he will leave to Newsome.

"I hope I am just having a dinner with Ray to celebrate a new contract," Bisciotti said. "There's a lot of guys out there on this team that I admire, and Ray is really at the top of that list. Nobody loves and respects Ray more than Ozzie. As we say, 'In Ozzie we trust.'"

There had been speculation that the Ravens would sign another Pro Bowl linebacker (Terrell Suggs) to a long-term deal because he is younger and use the tag on Lewis. Players designated with the franchise tag are forced to accept a one-year contract at a salary based on the average of the NFL's five-highest paid players at that position.

Lewis, though, probably would have been angered by the tag because he would perceive it as a lack of loyalty.

But now with Bisciotti declaring that he won't use the franchise tag on Lewis, the Ravens would have the option of placing that designation on Suggs for a second straight year.

In the meantime, Bisciotti said the Ravens are setting their sights on Lewis.

"I've been hopeful forever that we're going to work a deal," Bisciotti said. "Last year, I said I don't think that other people are going to value Ray Lewis higher than we do. He's showing at 33 that he's capable of playing like a 28-year-old. I've got my wife on budget already to try to save some money so we can sign him."

(baltimoresun.com)

Brett Favre or Ray Lewis?

If you're a first-year coach and could pick one of the future Hall of Famers, who would it be? Things would have to fall a certain way, but at some point over the next several weeks, Rex Ryan could be faced with that choice.

Favre's future with the Jets is uncertain, and Lewis, whom Ryan coached for 10 years with the Ravens, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent in March. The Jets are $10 million over the projected 2009 salary cap (that includes Favre's $13 million salary), so it's unlikely they would be able to afford both.

No doubt, Ryan will be pelted with Favre-related questions when he's introduced Wednesday morning at the Jets' headquarters in Florham Park, N.J. Will he lobby Favre to return? Does he even want the fading, 39-year-old quarterback? How long will he wait for the puff of smoke to emerge from Favre's ranch in Mississippi?

Favre, who has a torn biceps tendon in his legendary right arm, is believed to be leaning toward retirement. If he quits, his entire salary would come off the books. That, combined with a couple of relatively painless roster cuts, would create enough cap room to pursue Lewis.

"He's a once-in-a-lifetimer, he really is, not just as a player, but as a person and as a leader," Ryan said of Lewis after Sunday night's loss to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game - his final game as the Ravens' defensive coordinator. "He's just tremendous."

Lewis, 33, a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, is well-versed as an inside linebacker in Ryan's 3-4 system, and the Jets will have an opening because incumbent Eric Barton will be a free agent. Even though they want to re-sign Lewis, the Ravens may let him test the open market to determine his value.

They have to make some tough financial decisions. Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs also is set to become a free agent, along with highly regarded inside linebacker Bart Scott.

It's hard to imagine Lewis playing for another team after 13 seasons in Baltimore, where he's as much a fixture as crab cakes, but did anyone picture Favre on a team other than the Packers? It's worth noting that when Ryan was the Ravens' defensive line coach, from 1999 to 2004, his players once made a pact, agreeing they'd play out their contracts and follow him if he ever went to another team.

Ryan isn't going to have a lot of cap flexibility - the Jets are paying for last year's spending spree - but he will try to acquire a Baltimore defensive player to help the holdovers make the transition to his system.

Forget about Suggs; the Jets already have too much money invested in outside linebackers. In fact, Ryan's pet project will be former No. 1 pick Vernon Gholston, who washed out as a rookie. Scott makes the most sense, although Lewis is exactly the kind of leader that would galvanize the talent on defense.

"I think I made Ray, to be honest with you," Ryan joked. "He was an average player until I got him."

(nydailynews.com)

The Dallas Cowboys are very interested in acquiring Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, the Baltimore Sun reports.

The newspaper reports the Cowboys could be willing to give Lewis a three-year deal worth between $27 million and $30 million, with $25 million guaranteed.

In addition to his on-field skills, Lewis's personality makes him attractive to the Cowboys. Jerry Jones is said to believe Lewis could help solve the team's problems inside the locker room, the Sun reports.

The Ravens are expected to begin contract negotiations with Lewis, who is in the last year of his contract, shortly after the Super Bowl.

(sportingnews.com)

While his teammates were cavorting in the visitors locker room last Saturday night at Tennessee, where the Baltimore Ravens had just dispatched the Titans to advance to this weekend's AFC championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker Ray Lewis instead studied his shoes.

Fine shoes to compliment a fine suit. So when he laced them up, he made certain he did so with precision. The near-pandemonium behind him? No matter. There were shoes to be laced. Left one, then the right one. One minute. Two minutes. Still lacing.

So meticulous. So serene.

So ... been there, done that.

Lewis happens to be the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV.

He's been there.

He's done that.

And now that the Ravens are in prime position to reach Super status again, something the Pittsburgh Steelers will have a thing or two to say about, Lewis — he of the famous pregame gyrations just before the team takes the field — is something of a steady Eddie.

Here we go again.

Two losses in the regular season to the Steelers already.

Untied laces.

There was the 23-20 road overtime loss in late September and the 13-9 setback last month.

From Lewis, a determined yawn.

"We always have got one philosophy in this defense," he says. "If they don't score, they don't win. Bottom line."

In that way of thinking, then, the losses to the Steelers surely sting.

Right, Ray?

"Not at all, he said this week. "As soon as the game was over, you are over it. You don't dwell on it too much in this business. You take your good with your bad, and you move on. You grab your corrections, and after you grab your corrections, you make sure it doesn't happen again."

Still, chief among Lewis' tasks this weekend will be grabbing the guy across the line.

The quarterback.

Ben Roethlisberger.

"He's the ultimate competitor," Lewis says. "He plays football the way old-school people play football — just make a play. It doesn't have to be pretty, it doesn't have to be drawn up, sit in the pocket and pass the ball like the conventional quarterback.

"He's a football player. He's going to go out and do anything to keep his team motivated and keep the chains moving, things like that. And that's probably one of the greatest assets he has, is really keeping the play going."

One could say he plays the dunce — and does so very well.

So hints defensive tackle Haloti Ngata.

"It's just kind of deceiving because he looks big and slow and doesn't look like he can move around," he says. "He bends in weird ways and gets out of things. It's pretty crazy how he does it, and we just have to make sure we get him down when we get a hold of him."

Meanwhile, Lewis ties his shoes.

And in doing so, he sends a message to the newbies.

"I think that's what our whole season has been about," he says. "Our whole season has been about just chemistry. A lot of people don't know that really when you look at our ball club and the way we practice and look at the things that we do, we prepare a certain way with each other.

"Coaches give us the game plan and give us their part of it, but our part is being accountable to each other. We have more guys over at each other's houses than anything. There's nothing that we couldn't go through during the course of the season, whether it was not having a bye week, this and that, this person is hurt, that person is hurt… But the togetherness and the brotherhood we have is kind of more overwhelming than anything."

(usatoday.com)

John Clayton: This may sound surprising, but I think Ed Reed is more of a worry than Ray Lewis. Lewis is a leader and he's playing so well behind Haloti Ngata, but Reed is the player on the Ravens' defense who could frustrate the Steelers' offense with an interception or two. Roethlisberger has to be wary of turnovers. Scoring will be tough, so he can't give the Ravens the chance for easy scores. Reed might be able to confuse him with some coverages and steal an interception or two. Lewis no doubt will be the main guy in trying to stop the Steelers' running game. But turnovers could determine this game, and Reed has been a turnover machine in the past eight weeks. Roethlisberger has to keep the ball away from Reed.

James Walker: You never cease to amaze me, John, because I was thinking the same thing. Reed's private nature doesn't get him the superstar treatment and the media attention that he deserves. But opponents know he's the first player they must be aware of. Here is a stat to support that argument: Baltimore is 4-0 this year when Reed scores a defensive touchdown. He is the biggest defensive game-changer in the NFL. Lewis and the front seven are going to be tough to run on. So at some point, Roethlisberger will have to test Reed's prowess through the air.

(espn.com)

Eight years later, Ray Lewis has a chance to return to the Super Bowl. And that chance begets yet another: an opportunity to be recognized as the best defensive player in the NFL. Not this year. Not this decade. Ever.

It's a difficult, if not impossible proposition, comparing defensive players. Reliable statistics for tackles didn't exist before 1994, according to STATS INC. And what of the tackles a player didn't make because offenses ran or threw the other way? How to measure that?

In Lewis' case, a qualitative standard is in order. His supporting cast may change. Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs were still in college when Lewis earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XXXV. This year's team features rookies at head coach and quarterback. Still, now as ever, the Ravens get by with just enough offense. Ray Lewis makes that possible. For more than a decade, he has been at the very center — literally, metaphorically, emotionally — of a great defense.

I'm not telling you to like the guy. For many, the perception of Ray Lewis was indelibly framed early in 2000, when he was indicted for the stabbing death of two men following a Super Bowl party in Atlanta. Lewis pleaded guilty to misdemeanor obstruction charges, and testified against his former friends, both of whom were acquitted. In short order, Lewis was comparing himself to another unjustly persecuted man, Jesus Christ.

In the years since, Lewis has tried to refurbish his image through charitable works. Does that make him an undercover thug or a man of God? I don't know. I'm not telling you not to hate him, either. Just understand that his teammates love him. Always have. You've never heard a guy who played with Ray Lewis come back to knock him. He has a quality most often attributed to great point guard and quarterbacks, an ability to raise the game of those around him. As it pertains to both defense and leadership, he sets the standard.

There are others who warrant mention in this 'best-ever' debate. But hitters tend to fade fast. Jack Lambert played his last full season at 31. Dick Butkus, long considered the standard for middle linebackers, was finished by 31 as well. Butkus never even made the playoffs. What's more, as Sean Lahman points out in The Pro Football Historical Abstract, the Butkus Bears "finished in the bottom half of the NFL's defenses five out of nine seasons."

Junior Seau, who came up in 1990, has more tackles than Lewis. But he never won a Super Bowl, much less the game's coveted MVP award. Mike Singletary is an interesting choice, but the success of his teams had as much to do with Walter Payton as anyone. Lawrence Taylor, of course, forever changed the game, making outside linebacker a glamour position. But for all of Taylor's dramatic talent, he was also a scab and a coke-head, not exactly what one looks for in a teammate.

As Lewis goes, so go the Ravens. According to STATS INC., in '96, when he was drafted, Baltimore was ranked 30th, dead last, in yards allowed. By '99, they were second. The intervening years — except for 2002, when an injured shoulder limited Lewis to only five games — have seen the Ravens finish no worse than sixth.

Despite a rookie coach and a rookie quarterback, this was in many ways a typical year for Baltimore. Lewis is in his 13th season (LT, it's worth mentioning, retired after 13), his tenth as a Pro Bowler, his sixth as a first-team All-Pro. The Ravens, second in yards allowed, have another chance at the Super Bowl. At 33, Lewis is also tied for the lead in tackles in these playoffs.

But again, I'm trying to measure what can't be quantified. You can't figure Ray Lewis by the numbers. You can only acknowledge that which he instills in friend and foe, a legacy of equal parts, fear and respect.

(foxsports.com)

Ravens S Ed Reed was the only unanimous AP All-Pro Selection and was selected along with Ray Lewis, Jon Beason and Andre Johnson.

Ray Lewis plays football for its challenges. Even now.

He plays for the challenges presented by grown men staring at one another from the opposite side of the line of scrimmage, ready to test the will of their opponent.

I can block you. I can run over you. No you can't.

Lewis said this is why he continues to occupy the middle of the Baltimore Ravens defense. And after 13 seasons and so many tackles, his legacy is still being written. Arguably he's already the best middle linebacker in NFL history.

Lewis and the Ravens face the Titans on Saturday at LP Field in an AFC divisional playoff game. The winner goes to the AFC Championship, one step from Super Bowl XLIII. This is the kind of game Ray Lewis craves.

"For me as a man, to be in the business I'm in, if someone is going to challenge me, I'm going to make sure I'm physically prepared to bring on any challenge that anybody brings on me," Lewis said Tuesday during a conference call. "I look forward to it."

The Titans give Lewis and the Ravens a formidable challenge.

Chris Johnson and LenDale White run behind one of the NFL's best lines and formed the league's seventh-best rushing attack in the regular season. They offer variations of styles — White the pounder, looking for lanes, and Johnson the speedy yet durable rookie who always seems to be one step from breaking away.

And if Lewis needed any more motivation, he can think back to Week 5 when the Titans went to Baltimore and won 13-10 — in a game the Ravens limited Tennessee to 47 rushing yards.

It's because of Lewis that Baltimore's defense forced the most three-and-outs (60) in the league this season. He's why the Ravens were one of the best in the league in red-zone defense and run defense and pass defense.

He's the big reason their defense is not only respected but also feared. The unit has taken on the boisterous, cocky, animated, yet spiritual persona of its leader.

"He's hungry. He plays with that fire and guys feed off him," Titans tight end Alge Crumpler said. "He shoots gaps, he makes plays, he's very instinctual. He gets in the backfield. He just has a great knowledge of what offenses do."

Lewis, the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV, is approaching the midway point of his second decade in the NFL, despite playing the game with the instincts of a bloodhound, the intensity of a drill instructor and the recklessness of a Hollywood stuntman. He led Baltimore's No. 2-ranked defense during the regular season with 160 tackles, marking the 11th time he led the Ravens in the category.

"He keeps himself in great shape. He takes care of himself physically and studies the game with the best of them," Ravens Coach John Harbaugh said. "I hope all of our young guys emulate Ray Lewis, and if they do, they've got a chance to have a great career, too."

It's no surprise that this season the two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year earned his 10th Pro Bowl selection.

"I tell guys all the time, man, you can come in and make a spurt in this league real quick and be forgotten or you can come in to make a spurt in this league and be here for a long time," Lewis said.

He likely had similar words for Johnson when they spoke on the phone before the Week 5 meeting. The linebacker was already a fan of the rookie and got his number from a mutual friend. Johnson said Lewis had some good advice and "thought it was pretty cool" that he called. White is a Lewis fan, too.

"He's proven. He's been doing this for a long time," White said. "It's inspiring to me, to know I can be like that one day, I can play that long with that much intensity, and that well."

(tennessean.com)

The Ravens head into the NFL playoffs today, but who knows where Ray Lewis heads after that? He is their greatest star and their spiritual leader and has played his whole professional career here, but lately you can't mention his name without talk of his possible exodus from Baltimore.

What a pity that professional sports has come to this. Once, we had John Unitas throwing footballs on 33rd Street for 17 seasons, and Lenny Moore racing for the end zone for another dozen, and Gino and Artie and Parker and others lingering for a decade or more, and you knew they weren't going to receive your embrace one moment and then bolt for the door a moment later.

But those were the old rules of sport. Today, the professional athletes follow the money and damn any sentiment that might compromise their bank books. (Does the name Mark Teixeira ring a bell?) So the Ravens will take the field in Miami today against the Dolphins, and already the newspapers and the radio talk shows have been thinking beyond the playoffs and wondering aloud about a Ravens team that might have to face the future without Lewis.

His contract is up, and he'll expect money commensurate with his name, his abilities and his history. All three are not necessarily at the same level. Lewis' name already belongs with the great ones of his sport. His on-field history is Hall of Fame material. But his abilities, after years of physical pounding, make his financial value questionable.

In Miami today, Lewis will put such matters aside. He wants badly to win. The Ravens' season is at stake and so is a chapter of Lewis' legacy. He will spend his percentage of 60 minutes in his customary state of raw fury.

But everyone who follows football closely knows what else is at stake. Lewis is 33 years old and concluding a seven-year contract that pays him $6.5 million this season. He's going to want a lot more money to stay in Baltimore. He'll want to be paid for his name and his history. He's been All-Pro seven times, a Pro Bowler 10 times. He's led the team in tackles nine years out of 11. The Ravens will have to weigh all this along with physical abilities that inevitably dwindle after so many years.

Inevitably? Absolutely.

There came a time, during last summer's training camp, when a top Ravens official was asked about Lewis' future: Lewis was still the club's marquee player but no longer the utterly dominating force he was during their Super Bowl season.

"That's true," the official quickly acknowledged, "but Ray doesn't know it yet."

He still sees himself as the Lewis of old. In sports, psychology matters. But so does sheer muscle and bone, and the ability to chase down a running back sprinting around a corner.

"What happens," the Ravens official said, "is they lose it right away. You'll be watching them in practice and think, 'What's the matter with him? Is he hurt?' But it's not an injury, it's just the beginning of the end."

What Lewis showed this year is that, while he's not the player of the great Super Bowl season, neither is he done as a quality player. He was in on 117 tackles this year, 85 of them solo. He's a big-play guy, an intimidator.

But he'll be 34 before the Ravens hold their next training camp. Football's not like other sports. It's not like basketball, which still holds traces of the days when it was called a "no-contact" sport. And it's not like baseball where the finances are different. The Yankees can spend like there's no tomorrow; football has a salary cap. The Ravens have to determine if keeping Lewis means the triumph of sentiment over salary -- or if paying him big money precludes paying other stars what they're worth.

Lewis would probably like to stay here. This is where he's played his whole pro career, and his family has settled, and he's got off-field business connections. In Baltimore, he's the heart of modern football history.

This is also where Lewis was embraced after his involvement in a murder trial in Atlanta nine years ago. Ravens' fans embraced him and so did then-owner Art Modell. And, in the ensuing years, Lewis has fashioned a new off-field image as businessman, spokesman and mature leader.

Would any of this matter during contract negotiations? Try to remember another athlete whose reputation was tarnished: Roberto Alomar. After Alomar's spitting incident and his national disgrace, the only one who stood by his side was Orioles owner Peter Angelos.

And, the first chance Alomar got, he turned his back on everybody and bolted town.

Here's hoping for better days -- in Baltimore -- from Ray Lewis as his Ravens play Miami.

(baltimoreexaminer.com)

The latest rumor circulating had the Ravens already completing a deal with inside linebacker Ray Lewis.

The deal apparently was in the drawer, and the Ravens were ready to announce it as soon as the season ended.

But that's not true, according to Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome.

"There have been no negotiations," Newsome said. "We'll sit down and meet with Ray's people as soon as the season ends. Nothing has changed."

(baltimoresun.com)

7 proCanes will be heading to Hawaii in February for the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl. They are: Clinton Portis, Jon Beason, Jeff Feagles, Reggie Wayne, Andre Johnson, Ray Lewis, and Ed Reed.

Brandon Meriweather, S, New England. This is the kind of breakout game that can launch a player's career. Six tackles -- three of them behind the line of scrimmage -- plus one sack, two passes defensed and the most important forced fumble of his two-year career. With 1:56 left in the fourth quarter, he leaped over the line to sack Seneca Wallace, forcing the fumble that essentially ended the game. With injuries already battering the defense, and Vince Wilfork, Tedy Bruschi and James Sanders leaving the game with more of them, young guys like Meriweather have to come through for this team to make it to January.

Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore. When will he slow down? 2014? The more I watch the Ravens, the more I marvel at his staying power -- and not just the staying power to hang around. He's excelling the same way he was in the Ravens' Super Bowl year, and he's leading the same way too -- at 33, in his 13th season. In the 24-10 beatdown of the Redskins (it could have been much worse), Lewis had 13 tackles (three for loss), two quarterback hits and a 13-yard sack.

(cnnsi.com)

The motto this year for the Baltimore Ravens' defense has been "next man up." When Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle went down with injuries this season, they had players step up and fill the void - a system defense, if you will.

The system? Ray Lewis.

The linebacker, who in his 13th NFL season should be in the twilight of his career, instead remains one of the best at his position in the league and is again leading a powerful Ravens defense that has not allowed a touchdown in the last 10 quarters.

It is a defense with great talent, from perennial All-Pro Ed Reed at safety to outstanding linebackers Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott and a tough defensive line led by Trevor Pryce and Haloti Ngata.

But the brains and brawn of the defense the Washington Redskins will face Sunday night is the same as it was when the Ravens marched through the 2000 season on their way to a Super Bowl championship - Lewis.

At the Ravens' training facility Wednesday, Suggs was asked about his defense's ability to put points on the board.

"Our chances are better when we have the defense making plays," Suggs said, adding, "and it always helps when you have Ray Lewis."

The presence of the nine-time Pro Bowl linebacker and two-time NFL defensive player of the year has not appeared to wear thin. If anything, Lewis' impact on this team is stronger than ever, as he has grown to be a tremendous on-field defensive coordinator.

"Just watch the man before the snap," Suggs said. "He has a lot going on. That is why he is the leader. He pretty much kind of guides us. I kind of tend to guess sometimes, but he knows. He tells me, 'This is coming, that is coming.'"

His ability to read defenses frustrated Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh during Baltimore's 34-3 win over Cincinnati last week so much that Houshmandzadeh felt compelled to ask Lewis about it on the field.

"T.J. came up to me after seven straight plays and asked, 'How do you know what every play is going to be?'" Lewis said. "I said, 'I do a lot of studying.' He said, 'No, it's something you're watching, something you're seeing.'"

Lewis said he works harder than ever to be prepared for each opponent, not just for his position but to make the calls for everyone else on defense as well.

"I sit down and go through films for hours, so it is second nature for me," Lewis said. "I can say, 'OK, I've seen this before.' It is about getting my players in the right position so they can make plays."

Someone asked Lewis how many plays can he see coming. "It's a high amount," he said.

That is no idle boast. Lewis leads the team with 84 tackles. The Ravens' run defense, ranked third in the NFL, hasn't allowed a 100-yard rusher in 31 games. Baltimore is second in turnovers this season with 23 and has the top-ranked defense on third down. It ranks among the league leaders in nearly every defensive category.

Lewis is careful to spread the credit around, including Baltimore's defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan.

"We have a mentality that everybody has bought into, and that is to find the football," Lewis said. "We just are playing where we are supposed to be.

"The run we are on comes with a lot of guys really buying into the system," he said. "Rex is doing an incredible job of getting us in the right schemes and things like that. There is a lot of credit to go around. And the offense is controlling the ball a lot. We're not going three-and-out. So it is a lot of different things, the way we are playing right now."

Ryan is the third defensive coordinator Lewis has played for. The one constant throughout the Baltimore Ravens' era of defensive excellence has been Lewis. In fact, Lewis - even with the stain of an obstruction of justice conviction in a fatal 2000 stabbing - has become the identity of Baltimore sports.

The Lewis era doesn't appear to be close to ending, either. When asked whether he thought he had a season like this left in him, when it appeared he was on the downside of his game, the 33-year-old Lewis replied: "Men and women lie, but numbers don't. You just keep playing football. You don't care what people say. Bottom line is you line up and ask the people playing against me. You just play the game the same way and approach it the same way you did in Year one as you do in Year 13 with the same passion, the same dedication."

(washigtontimes.com)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. One of the greatest middle linebackers in football history.

Now, the Ravens’ Ray Lewis can add another title to his illustrious career: The Godfather of the NFL.

While Lewis is known for slamming players to the ground, he is the first to pick them up off the field, becoming a confidant to many around the league.

From Chargers OLB Shawne Merriman to Seahawks MLB Lofa Tatupu to Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, Lewis has mentored the NFL’s young superstars on the game, training regimen and, most importantly, life.

Lewis estimated that he talks, sends text messages to and counsels 15 to 20 players on some days.

“It’s a rush for me. It’s a high for me,” Lewis said. “My greatest legacy will not be about how hard I hit on the field but how many people I was able to bless.”

Lewis first runs into players at the Pro Bowl and at different social events. The meetings usually end with Lewis giving out his cell phone number.

When players find themselves with a problem, that’s when Lewis usually hears from them again.

It was just last training camp when disgruntled Bengals WR Chad Ocho Cinco phoned Lewis for advice.

Lewis’ message: Stop complaining and start appreciating life in the NFL.

“He’s my spiritual father when I’m having problems,” Ocho Cinco said earlier this season. “Ray has been there for me through everything. Ray is really the only reason I’ve somewhat shut up and calmed down and came back and refocused my energy on helping my team get to the playoffs and all my energy being positive.

“So, Ray is really the reason I’m back here happy, smiling and ready to go again.”

Lewis routinely will call players and tell them a favorite scripture passage. He’ll remind them to drink the right amount of water. He’ll even chat for a half-hour about dissecting the screen pass, like he did recently with 49ers LB Patrick Willis.

Before the Ravens’ Monday-night game at Pittsburgh on Sept. 29, Lewis received a text message from Willis, his newest pupil, which read: “Show me what you got because you know I’ll be watching.”

“It turns into a real brotherhood from our conversation,” Lewis said.

But Lewis knows the connection extends beyond a brotherhood.

He has become a father figure to many players, much like Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson were for him years ago.

“When I was a child, that’s the thing I never had,” said Lewis, 33, who was raised by his mother. “As a man, that’s what you’re looking for — some real good advice from somebody they can trust.”

While Lewis seems to be giving so much — advice, time and energy — he insists that he receives more in return.

“What I get out of it is watching these guys grow,” he said. “That’s the reward for any parent. When you instill something in a kid and you get it put into fruition, you’re like, ‘Wow. He really listened.’ ”

Lewis has not only grabbed the attention of the players around the NFL. After recent injury-marred seasons, Lewis is playing like an elite linebacker again.

Run up the middle of the Ravens’ defense at your own risk. Draws don’t work, and neither do screens.

“It’s getting to the point with Ray where it’s almost ridiculous,” Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. “He’s a phenom. His contact and tackling is as crisp and as good as I can remember. He is still flying around and is always in the right spots. If I had to describe one thing about Ray that stands out, I couldn’t, because he is the total package.”

The Ravens are in a transition season with a new coach in John Harbaugh and a new quarterback in Joe Flacco.

The one constant has been the Ravens’ top-notch defense, whose determination comes from Lewis.

That was proven in Week Three, when the Ravens trailed the Browns 10-7.

On the third play of the third quarter, Lewis crushed Kellen Winslow over the middle, dislodging the ball from the Browns’ physical tight end. CB Chris McAlister plucked the ball from the air and ran 12 yards to the Cleveland 12-yard line, setting up the go-ahead touchdown in the Ravens’ 28-10 victory.

“He just knew he had to make a play, and that’s what leaders do,” Ravens ROLB Terrell Suggs said of the Lewis hit. “I mean, were y’all shocked?”

The biggest surprise is how Lewis can maintain this level of play.

After years of chasing down running backs, all of the NFL’s great middle linebackers eventually found something they themselves couldn’t elude — time.

Bears star Mike Singletary decided to retire after 12 seasons, before his play declined. Pittsburgh’s Jack Lambert walked away after 11 years because of a severe toe injury. And the Bears’ Dick Butkus stopped after nine seasons because of multiple knee injuries.

So, how can Lewis continue to remain in Pro Bowl form after 13 seasons?

His play on the field is dictated by his work off it.

His workouts are legendary. He still runs steep hills with a log on his back. He is constantly in the sauna and always is stretching, which helps to cut down on injuries.

At home, he has hired a personal chef, who cooks fish and vegetables. He keeps himself hydrated by drinking two gallons of water daily.

Then, at night, Lewis watches hours of film. He’ll pick up how a lineman puts his hand down on certain plays. He’ll note how a running back stands before a screen play.

These details help him predict where the ball is going before it is snapped.

“My greatest reward is in my sacrifice — how much film I watch,” Lewis said. “Some of them might want to run a screen or try to run in my area. I’m like, ‘Are you serious? You don’t think I watched that all week?’

“I would never want to be in my 20s again. I know too much right now.”

Colts QB Peyton Manning has a firsthand knowledge of Lewis’ film work.

“There’s many a time when I’ve heard Ray calling out our plays, and he’s been pretty accurate at times,” Manning said.

Lewis’ psychological game even extends to running backs. With some vicious head-on hits, he is putting fear into opposing runners. He ended Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall’s season in Week Four. It was the same back in 2000 when he train-wrecked Jerome Bettis, Corey Dillon and Eddie George.

“I was pretty intimidated by him, and I was on his team,” Ravens LOLB Jarret Johnson said.

Still, how long will Lewis remain on the team?

Lewis is scheduled to make $6.5 million in the final season of a seven-year, $50 million contract. That included a $19 million signing bonus (an NFL record at the time).

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said earlier this year that the team would actively pursue Lewis if he reaches free agency.

“If he becomes a free agent, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams,” Bisciotti said at the NFL meetings in March. “We know Ray’s value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. We know the commitment and the effort he gives to winning.”

This is the first time the Ravens have allowed Lewis to reach the final year of his contract.

There is a possibility that the Ravens could use the franchise tag on Lewis to keep him for another season. Lewis hopes it won’t come to that.

“If the season ends and I’m a totally free agent, for the first time in my life I will be totally free,” he said. “You know what that feels like for a man? It’s one thing to deal with a contract. It’s one thing to deal with life without a contract. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel to make my own decision.”

(profootballweekly.com)

This week’s NFList takes a look back at five of Ray Lewis’ most memorable games through the eyes of two of his former coaches (ex-Ravens LB coach Maxie Baughan and head coach Brian Billick), a former competitor-turned-colleague (former Giants head coach Jim Fassel, who later served as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator) as well as Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.

Here are the games, listed in chronological order. All statistics provided by the team; NFL official statistics may vary:  

1) Sept. 1, 1996: Lewis’ professional debut
Lewis’ stat line: nine tackles and an interception in the Ravens’ 19-14 win over Oakland, a performance for which Lewis earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Background: The game marked the return of the NFL to Baltimore after a 12-year absence. Maxie Baughan, in his first season coaching the Ravens’ linebackers after coaching the Buccaneers’ linebackers for four seasons, remembers the young Lewis fondly:

"We knew he could do some of the unusual things a linebacker does, and he proved it that day. (Lewis) could run underneath a block, whereas most players can’t do that, because they would (end up) behind the ballcarrier. That was one of the things that stood out more than anything about him. Plus, we knew he could take coaching.

"His total package, being Defensive Player of the Week (in his debut) and the interception, eight or nine solo tackles, that tells you have a darn good football player. His play was not a surprise to me, and his play since then wasn’t a surprise. I felt when I went down and worked him (at Miami, Fla.) that he could be what he was today.

"Only two teams were there (at the workout at Miami) — the Cardinals and the Ravens. In fact, he missed his plane. He was up in Lakeland, I guess, where he lived. We had to wait like three hours. … My wife was still in Tampa, and she went down there with me. It was a special workout. In fact, my wife said, 'I hope he’s worth this three-hour wait.' And I said, ‘He is.' ”

2) Sept. 14, 1997: Ravens tip Giants 24-23 as Lewis has career day
Stat line: 25 tackles, two passes defensed; earned PFW Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Background: By 1997, the Ravens had assembled the makings of an excellent front seven led by Lewis, who was improving by leaps and bounds in his second NFL season. Giants head coach Jim Fassel, then in his first season on the job, had this to say of Lewis:

"He’s got the rare combination. He’s got the tremendous athletic talent, but also the tremendous competitiveness. … It’s a rare, rare cat.

"They covered him up, and when they cover up your middle linebacker, he’s got to make plays. And he made them.”  
3) Jan. 7, 2001: Ravens beat Titans 24-10 in AFC divisional playoffs
Stat line: 12 tackles, one interception (Lewis’ legendary steal of the ball from Titans RB Eddie George, which he returned 50 yards for a touchdown, giving Baltimore a 17-10 fourth-quarter lead).

Background: The Ravens and Titans split a pair of games in regular-season play before meeting a third time in the postseason in one of the more memorable matchups in divisional-round history.

Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, then the club’s vice president of player personnel, drafted Lewis with the No. 27 pick in the 1996 draft. Here’s his recollection of one of Lewis’ greatest games: 

"I think you picked the game that has the one play in my mind. 

"We had played Tennessee a lot. The ability to control Eddie George was going to be the key to the game, as well as (Steve) McNair breaking out of the picket. Ray inserted himself into a position where every time Eddie got the ball, he was part of the tackle. And when Steve would break out of the pocket, he was there.

"They had converted some first downs in years past by dropping the ball off to Eddie George. … Ray willed himself to that interception. He was not going to be denied. It was a play that we needed to be made to win the game, and he willed himself to make the play.

4) Jan. 28, 2001: Ravens rout Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV
Lewis’ stat line: 11 tackles, four passes defended, game MVP honors.

Background: Less than a year after he was arrested and charged with murder in an incident that occurred hours after Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta, Lewis led the Ravens to victory in Tampa. The murder charges were dropped, and Lewis eventually pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice, but the controversy followed the Ravens into their biggest game in franchise history.

Former Ravens head coach Brian Billick, in a memorable press conference on Super Bowl Media Day, staunchly defended Lewis and criticized the media for continuing to bring up the controversy. “As much as some of you want to, we are not going to retry that,” Billick said famously. “It's inappropriate, and you're not qualified.”

Billick, now an analyst for Fox, said the repeated recounting of the Lewis incident served to create an “us-against-the-world mentality.” He also noted that Lewis, known for his legendary intensity, took it to another level before the Super Bowl. “Ray was as driven and as focused as any player I’ve ever been around,” Billick said.

Fassel recalled the difficulty of preparing for Lewis and the Ravens’ defense — and how Lewis was one step ahead that entire game:

"I had talked to a couple of coaches, and the one thing they told me is, ‘They are faster than they look on tape.’ And I said, ‘Wait a second, they are fast on tape!’  

"He’d drop into zone coverage, and we couldn’t get anyone to run away from him. We’d throw the ball, and he’d be hitting them as the ball got there."

Billick remembered a defense for the ages playing with incredible confidence:

"They knew what New York was going to do before New York did. You knew they weren’t going to be able to run. It was recognition and anticipation. Here they were in a Super Bowl, and they wanted the shutout, and they would have got if it wasn’t for the kickoff return (by the Giants' Ron Dixon)."

5) Jan. 3, 2004: Titans tip Ravens 20-17 on last-minute field goal in AFC wild-card round
Stat line: 18 tackles (then a team postseason record — one he later broke) in the final game of a season in which he earned league Defensive MVP honors for a second time.

Background: Less than two years after the Ravens turned over much of the roster because of salary-cap concerns, they were back in the playoffs. Rex Ryan, then the club’s DL coach, recalled the club’s defensive strategy vs. Tennessee:

"We played a lot of straight, odd defense — just 3-4 defense — and it was more quarters coverage. Basically he was having to two-gap guards that game, but he did it, and he was still an awesome player. He was making plays everywhere. He tried to will us to victory, but they got us in the last (minute)."

(pfw.com)

First of all, a disclaimer: What I've transcribed below can - and probably will - be misconstrued as Ravens LB Ray Lewis taking shots at Giants RB Brandon Jacobs. Having been in the Giants' locker room for five seasons now, I know they'll use these words as motivation.

But having been around all kinds of football players, especially a prideful middle linebacker in Antonio Pierce, I know what Lewis was saying and it wasn't anything close to the shots the Browns were taking at Jacobs.

With that said, here's what Lewis said on a conference call with reporters a few minutes ago when asked about Jacobs:

"He's a physical back. He plays the game very physical. The only way to stop somebody like that is to run into him full-speed. That's the game of football. The name of football is hit or be hit. So the bottom line is I don't care how big his size is, how big none of that is. Football is football. And when you strap on your chin strap, I don't care how big you are, deal with whoever's got the ball and let life take care of itself. You just know, as a middle linebacker, you don't want to start letting them get into your secondary like you see the Eagles and a lot of people did, like big gaping holes to where he's getting up on your corners and your secondary, I don't think that's an even match. But when you're dealing with the front seven where linebackers meet running backs and fullbacks and things, then let it take care of itself. Our job is to not let him get to our secondary because he can be an imposing threat back there."

Again, when you look at the above, you might be tempted to infer Lewis is saying he and the rest of Baltimore's front seven can easily handle Jacobs. That's not the case. And if anyone expected a guy like Lewis to come on the conference call and even hint about how much he's worried about playing Jacobs for the first time, well, then you don't know Lewis, you don't know middle linebackers and you don't know football.

When asked about Jacobs' size and the disparity between him and the average back, Lewis displayed the swagger I'm talking about and the cockiness you need to play in the middle in the NFL:

"Okay, so what are you going to do? Run from it? You just play football. I don't look at the schedule, look at somebody's weight and say, 'Oh, guess what, he's 260. I can't run into him.' Hell no, I'm chasing him. It doesn't matter. Size has never mattered in this game. And the day you put size in this game, you lose all your credibility on why you play the game. You play the game for that. I remember these same stories about how big Eddie George was - so big and so bruising. Okay, let football take care of itself. That's what it's always done and always will do.

Strong words? Sure. A shot at Jacobs? No way. Just a guy who's confident in himself, as he should be.

(nj.com)

Ray Lewis earned the defensive award with a team-high nine tackles, two interceptions and two passes defensed in Baltimore's 41-13 drubbing of Houston on Sunday. It was his third career two-interception game. The Lewis-led Ravens also limited the Texans to just 75 rushing yards.



(sportsnetwork.com)

Who's hot?

1. Ray Lewis, LB, Baltimore Ravens
Ray Lewis put together arguably his best game of the season in a 41-13 blowout victory over the Houston Texans. Lewis was dominant against the run--leading the team in tackles with eight--and jumping the passing lanes with two interceptions of Houston quarterback Sage Rosenfels. Throughout his career, Lewis has always had an uncanny knack for finding the football and did so again Sunday with another performance that was vintage Lewis. It's been apparent all year that the 13-year veteran can still bring it.

2. Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens
Is it us, or does Baltimore seem to have a different 100-yard rusher every week? Last week rookie Ray Rice had the hot hand. This week it was veteran Willis McGahee, who returned from a knee injury and rushed for 112 yards and two touchdowns. No matter who is getting the carries, it all equals success for the Ravens. Baltimore has a four-game winning streak and is averaging 33.5 points per game during that span. The consistent running game and ability to control the clock against opponents are major reasons why.

3. Kellen Winslow Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns
A major reason for new Browns quarterback Brady Quinn's success last week were the numbers put up by tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. He had a season-high 10 catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort against Denver. It marked the first multi-touchdown game for Winslow since high school. It's clear that Cleveland's offense under Quinn will take on a much different look and will focus more on short passes to the tight ends and running backs. So Winslow could be in for a big second half of the season with the quarterback change.

(espn.com)

Ray Lewis isn’t going anywhere when the 2008 season comes to a close.

Since starting the season WITHOUT a contract for 2009 and beyond, there has been speculation in Baltimore that #52 might be on his way out…as the team defers to a younger (and cheaper) linebacking corps headed by Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott.

It’s not gonna happen that way.

Ray’s staying.  And he’ll eventually wind up inking a 5-year deal that will help the team fork over a mammoth signing bonus and yet not strap the team salary-cap wise through 2013.

As for Suggs and Scott…who knows, they MIGHT stay too.

But if there’s a pecking order - and make no mistake about it, there IS - you can rest assured that Ray is at the front.

A Ravens official confirmed all of this with me earlier this week by saying, “Ray’s going to be in Baltimore next year and for a while after that…it’s been discussed and reviewed and nothing has changed in our mind. Ray is going to be here and he’s going to finish his career in purple.  We know the numbers, financially, and we’re going to make them work.”

Makes sense to me.

He’s been so good for so long they should just permanently re-name the team the “Ray-vens”.

And this year, in particular, he’s ramped up his game and geared down his talk.  Gone are the days when Ray would throw out cryptic hints about money, his future and the possibilities of having to do business elsewhere.

I guess the promise of a $16 million dollar signing bonus can make a man see things a bit more clearly, huh?  

As one Ravens’ staffer said, succinctly: “Ray’s value to us is much higher than it would be with any other team in the league.”  Agreed.  He’s been to this franchise what Johnny Unitas was to the old Colts franchise. 

None of this should come as much of a surprise.  Owner Steve Bisciotti has talked openly - in interviews with Baltimore newspaper and radio - of hoping to sign Ray to a long-term deal that would keep #52 in purple and reward him for the decade-plus work he’s done in Baltimore.  

Ray deserves every penny of whatever he gets at the end of this season.

He’s the best player in the history of the franchise and arguably the best player in the league since 1996.

As for Terrell Suggs and Bart Scott, it’s a shame their paydays might be diminished by Ray’s deal, but that’s the price you pay when you’re working in concert with a Hall of Famer.  In the end, though, both of those players will make a nice salary in 2009 and beyond in large part BECAUSE of #52, not in spite of him.

“Ray’s not going anywhere…” was another comment offered to me.  ”We want him to finish his career in Baltimore and Ray wants to finish here too.  And we think Ray still has a lot of good football left - and so does he.  Ray’s going to retire a Raven, plain and simple.”

The status of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement and the potential for an uncapped season in 2011 makes it even more difficult for teams to enter into long term contracts with players right now…but the Ravens want Ray Lewis and Ray, well - Ray wants to get paid…in Baltimore.  Barring a change in heart by either party, you can keep those #52 jerseys clean and break ‘em out every September for the next few years.

I’m glad that issue has been put to rest.

Now, back to the playoff hunt.

(wnst.com)

OWINGS MILLS, Md.: Ray Lewis has played for three head coaches, three different defensive coordinators and has been surrounded by an ever-changing cast of supporting players.

One thing, however, has remained constant throughout his brilliant 13-year career: Lewis taking charge in the middle of a stout Baltimore Ravens defense.

Lewis is the leading tackler on the second-ranked defense in the NFL, and his contribution goes well beyond mere statistics. He is the unquestioned leader on the field and in the locker room, whether it be barking orders on a third-down play, organizing film-study sessions or answering questions from an inquisitive rookie.

"He does more than any player I've been around," Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said Wednesday. "He just loves the game. I know he's a talented guy that can do a lot of things in life, but I can't see him ever not doing football. He puts everything he's got into it. It's amazing to watch."

Lewis is 33, yet he still plays middle linebacker like the 21-year-old rookie drafted out of Miami in 1996. It's hard to imagine, but this version of Ray Lewis might be even better, because the experience he's gained outweighs any physical shortcomings that come with 13 years of exchanging blows at one of the most demanding positions on the field.

When Lewis came into the league, he depended primarily on his instincts to make plays. Now, he supplements his talent with rigorous offseason preparation and hours of film study.

"I think I've grown in so many areas. I don't think I can explain them all," Lewis said. "I think every year you gain a level of wisdom. That's the game of football."

Lewis has led the Ravens in tackling in six of seven games this season. He also has a sack, has knocked away five passes and forced a fumble. That only begins to explain his importance to a young defense that listens to Lewis as readily as Ryan or head coach John Harbaugh.

"He's flying around like he did 10 years ago, when I first got here," Ryan said. "He enjoys playing with the guys, leading the guys. Heck, leading me and everybody else. He's a special guy."

During the early years of his career, Lewis relied upon veterans such as Rod Woodson and Shannon Sharpe for guidance. Now he's the one doling out advice, doing his part in the NFL version of the circle of life.

"Me being in that position, I'm more of a tutor to a lot of the younger guys, trying to teach them about the game," he said. "My offseason is always preparing for when the games come. That's the fun part. Then you just raise the young guys to always play on a high level. The game just continues to get better and better as you get older."

And so, incidentally, does Lewis.

"I can't ever see him getting old," Ryan said.

As an assistant coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, Harbaugh developed a lofty opinion of Lewis by viewing film and watching him play on an occasional Sunday. Now that he sees Lewis on a daily basis, he's even more amazed.

"Here's a world-class athlete, a Hall of Fame type of athlete, you kind of wonder what makes a guy like that tick. The thing I've been so impressed with is his work ethic," Harbaugh said. "I mean, this guy does it all. He does it in the physical side in the offseason, he practices hard, he studies tape. Everything you ever heard about Ray Lewis is true."

Not exactly. Ravens rookie defensive back Haruki Nakamura formed his own opinion of Lewis before arriving at camp, then quickly found out that he was dead wrong.

"When you come in here as a rookie, especially as a defensive player, you know Ray Lewis is a big, tough, mean football player," Nakamura said. "Then you see him in person, and he's one of the classiest guys you'll ever meet and one of the best teammates you'll ever have."

The way Lewis is playing this season, he's got an excellent chance of being selected to play in the Pro Bowl for the 10th time. By the time he quits, that number could easily exceed a dozen. How much longer can he go?

"Easily another three or four more years," he said, "but it's going to take care of itself however it comes out. ... Life is freaking incredible, and loving football is what I do."

Given that he enjoys teaching and sharing life lessons with younger people, Lewis might make a good coach after he finally decides to retire. Then again, those traits could serve him well in a different avenue of life.

Asked about plans after football, Lewis replied, "I'll be coaching my kids."

(iht.com)

Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson was having a conversation with several others about NFL veterans when linebacker Ray Lewis' name was mentioned.

And Johnson, like the others in his group, started shaking his head in disbelief.

"What is this, his 13th year or something?" Johnson said. "He is still explosive and still has great instinct. He is going strong when other players his age are slowing down. I don't think he is ever going to slow down. I hope not."

He hasn't slowed down this year. In fact, he looks a lot like the Ray Lewis who was about to enter his prime in 1999. Lewis, 33, had a great season last year when he had 120 tackles and earned a ninth trip to the Pro Bowl.

Right now, he looks better than last season. He looks better than he has the past five years. What gives?

"It's getting to the point with Ray where it's almost ridiculous," Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. "He's a phenom. His contact and tackling is as crisp and as good as I can remember. He is still flying around and is always in the right spots. If I had to describe one thing about Ray that stands out I couldn't because he is the total package."

In four games this season, Lewis has 30 tackles, including 21 solo. He has knocked down four passes and forced one fumble. If you're thinking about throwing a pass in the flat, forget it because Lewis is eating up everything.

Draws don't work, and neither do screens. Lewis is even putting running backs in the hospital again (see the Pittsburgh Steelers' Rashard Mendenhall) like he did in 2000 when he train-wrecked Jerome Bettis, Corey Dillon and Eddie George.

"When I first got here, I was star-struck by Ray," said Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, the team's first-round pick in 2006. "You see him on TV, and it's exciting because he plays with so much passion. And since I've been here, he hasn't changed. He plays with so much emotion, and everybody else just follows him."

On the field, though, it's Lewis who sometimes follows Ngata. The former University of Oregon standout has been a major reason Lewis' play has improved the past three seasons. Ngata is a defensive lineman who plays like an offensive lineman.

Ngata doesn't just hold up offensive linemen, keeping them away from Lewis. He also moves them out of the way and creates lanes for Lewis, who looks like a running back coming through gaping holes.

No wonder Lewis lobbied Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome for a big defensive tackle several years ago.

"That big old rascal is just coming into his own," Ryan said of Ngata. "He just doesn't move people; he moves them with one hand."

Lewis is better with Ngata, but we're still seeing the vintage Lewis, as well. He is running sideline to sideline stalking running backs and tight ends (see the Cleveland Browns' Kellen Winslow). His fast pace on the field is matched by his intensity in the huddle.

"Ray talks a lot on the field," Ngata said. "He is always trying to find the pulse, whether we're too calm or too excited. He has a way of ramping us up each day, getting us ready for Sunday."

Lewis' workouts are legendary. He still runs that hill at Oregon Ridge with a log on his back. He is constantly in the sauna or whirlpool and always is stretching, which helps to cut down on injuries.

It's amazing he has suffered few major injuries throughout his career. It's just as incredible that he hasn't slowed down much despite his reckless style and the way he abuses his body.

But a major part of Lewis' game is intimidation. Psychologically, he can scare opponents before the game starts.

"I was pretty intimidated by him, and I was on his team," Johnson said.

So far, it has been a near perfect season for Lewis. During training camp when new coach John Harbaugh was trying to establish a presence with his players, there were veterans who were slow to believe in him. Lewis could have been one of them and led a small revolt. After all, he was a veteran, and he didn't need long meetings and a lot of contact in practices.

Instead, Lewis didn't balk and was always one of the first on the field. He didn't complain, and he even scolded some of those who did.

"It's great to have the opportunity to coach a football team that Ray Lewis is on," Harbaugh said. "Just watching practice, you see why he is one of the all-time greats, why he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer and why he believes he has a lot of football left in him. Because he does."

(baltimoresun.com)

Ray Lewis, MLB, Baltimore. I know, I know. The Ravens lost Sunday, a painful defeat at the hands of the Titans in which they let Tennessee drive the length of the field in the fourth quarter to win. But the play of Lewis over the last eight quarters simply must be recognized. In the narrow losses to Pittsburgh and Tennessee, Lewis has 20 tackles, two sacks, two passes deflected, one tackle for loss and two quarterback hits. He still hits like Mike Tyson. The other night, he broke Rashard Mendenhall's shoulders, knocking him out for the year, on a simple tackle up the gut. These two great games have come in his 165th and 166th pro contests.

(cnnsi.com)

Baltimore- Ray Lewis dropped an interception just before halftime. Early in the third quarter, Baltimore's inside linebacker delivered the pivotal hit.

His collision with Browns tight end Kellen Winslow led to Chris McAlister's interception and triggered a 21-point flurry to help the Ravens rally for a 28-10 victory Sunday.

The play energized Baltimore's defense, which notched three interceptions and registered five sacks against Browns quarterback Derek Anderson.

Lewis, a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and MVP of Super Bowl XXXV, added four solo tackles.

"Were ya'll shocked?" said Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, who posted two sacks. "I knew it was coming. It was just a matter of when."

Down, 10-7, Baltimore had to cope with watching a teammate, safety Dawan Landry, strapped to a gurney carried off the field late in the second quarter. At halftime, Lewis rallied the team, Suggs said.

"I don't think there is a more vocal leader, and just a leader, period, in the NFL than Ray Lewis," Suggs said. "He knew we had to make a play."

Three plays into the third, with the Browns facing third-and-3 on its 17-yard line, Lewis struck. He hit Winslow, who was running a 7-yard route in the middle of the field.

The ball fell into the arms of McAlister, who returned it to the Cleveland 12. Four plays later Le'Ron McClain scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to put Baltimore ahead for good.

Lewis said he didn't think Anderson would make that throw.

"I had two choices," Lewis, a 13-year veteran, said. "Either go for the interception or the receiver."

Baltimore cornerback Samari Rolle said Lewis relies on instincts.

"People put entirely too much emphasis on age," Rolle said. "He knows the game. He's the greatest middle linebacker in history of this league."

Reed said extensive film study helped lead to his 32-yard interception return for a touchdown on Cleveland's next possession on Anderson's throw behind Syndric Steptoe.

Reed said the Browns ran the identical play two downs earlier. He told McAlister to provide deep coverage so he could play the ball.

"I just felt it," said Reed, who posted his ninth career interception return for a score. "I knew that was it. So when [Anderson] threw it, I just thought, 'Catch it.' "

(cleveland.com)

The October issue of Men’s Fitness magazine features a profile of Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis and the magazine has sent out some advance Lewis quotes from the story.

In the piece, Baltimore's No. 52 tells the magazine several things local fans have heard before, plus the fact that he’d like to play four or five more years saying he would like them to be as a Raven.

Here are some excerpts from the piece supplied by the magazine.

This apparently is Lewis reflecting on being in the final year of a seven-year contract.

“I respect the business but when I dedicate my life to this organization, the saddest question I've ever had to answer is, Am I going to be a Raven? Job wise, you don't play with somebody like that. But it's about football now. If you get caught up in [the business] you get too sour. Bottom line is, I'm going to play four or five more years. But I'm a Raven. I bleed purple.”

On mentoring younger teammates and opponents (he was recently credited for providing counsel to the Bengals’ Chad Ocho Cinco Johnson.

“A lot of them call me the Godfather. They ask you certain things and they're craving [knowledge]. A man's pride sometimes gets in the way. But when you see another man go through adversity, you're able to step back and realize, Hey, I can learn something from that guy.”

On his pre-game dances during player introductions.

“When I'm doing all that [dancing], that's me looking at God and saying how amazing He is. It's His stage. For me to walk out of that tunnel and give somebody hope, that's Him. So when you see me make that cross, and then I come out, that's blessing them. …. I'm thinking, This is another freaking opportunity, right now. Do not cheat this moment.”

(baltimoresun.com)

In two years DeMeco Ryans has developed into one of the best young linebackers in the NFL.

Now the 2006 Rookie of the Year will play the Baltimore Ravens and Ray Lewis, one of the top linebackers of all time.

"When you talk about middle linebackers, he's the guy," Ryans said. "He's the guy that everybody looks up to. Everybody wants to be the Ray Lewis of their team. The type of leader that he is, the way he has all his guys rallied around him, that's the template for every other middle linebacker on his team."

Ryans remembers first watching Lewis when the Ravens won the Super Bowl in 2001. He was impressed with the way any shot of him would just show him and a running back because he was so fast.

Lewis and Ryans spent time together at the Pro Bowl this year. Ryans said the 13-year veteran has an aura about him.

"You see him and he's that guy," Ryans said. "That's Ray Lewis, that's the man. That's the guy every other middle linebacker looks up to. So being out there and playing with him, it was great for me. It was a great inspiration to be out there playing with a guy you watched go out and dominate guys."

Ryans had 283 tackles in the two seasons and Lewis has 223 in the same span. Lewis said he hasn't seen Ryans play much, but that from the little he has seen he thinks he has a "bright future" in the game.

"I just like the way he hustles to the ball," Lewis said. "He really loves to play the game and he understands the game. When you come into the league that young and understand the game like that, I think you have a head start."

Ryans hopes he can become the kind of leader for the Texans that Lewis is to the Ravens. He also wants to one day have his name mentioned alongside Lewis as one of the game's elite linebackers, but knows he'll have to help the team improve to get to that point.

"It's going to take getting to the big game," Ryans said. "What Ray has done, he's done it on a big-time level in the Super Bowl. He's led his team in the playoffs."

(dallasnews.com)

CINCINNATI -- At some of his lowest points in the offseason -- many of them self-inflicted -- Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Johnson (who legally changed his last name to Ocho Cinco) would get a call from his father figure in Baltimore, ready to suggest a Bible verse and some advice.

Linebacker Ray Lewis told the self-promoting receiver that he needed to change. Instead of being unhappy with his team, Lewis told him that he needed to be grateful to be in the NFL.

Stop complaining. Start appreciating. Get back to playing.

"That was the same message I relayed to him and a couple of other guys around the league that were going through the same thing," Lewis said Wednesday, in a conference call. "I was like: Keep your peace. Let the business side of the business take care of itself, but keep your peace and always stay who Chad is, and that's just loving the game of football."

The Pro Bowl receiver has changed, though not in all the ways his coach had hoped.

He has stopped grousing over the Bengals' refusal to trade him. He's been more upbeat around his teammates. He's worked through an ankle operation that slowed him at the start of training camp and an injury to his left shoulder in the second preseason game.

In that regard, he listened to the advice.

"He's my spiritual father when I'm having problems," the receiver told sports writers in Baltimore on Wednesday. "Ray has been there for me through everything. Ray is really the only reason I've somewhat shut up and calmed down and came back and refocused my energy on helping my team get to the playoffs and all my energy being positive.

"So, Ray is really the reason I'm back here happy, smiling and ready to go again."

He hasn't shed the self-absorption, though.

Last week, he legally changed his last name from Johnson to Ocho Cinco. He told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he wants to be called by his new name, but declined to talk about it any further.

It's unclear whether he'll have his new name or the old one on his uniform Sunday for the season opener in Baltimore. Coach Marvin Lewis -- who hates the receiver's self-promoting stunts -- said it's up to the NFL to decide what name goes on his uniform.

"It's not a stunt," Lewis said. "He changed his name. It's a legal document. He's been wanting to do this since March. It's kind of water under the bridge at this point for us."

Spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail to the AP that the league hasn't addressed the question yet.

Asked if the new name is one of the changes that resulted from Johnson's talks with Ray Lewis, the Bengals coach laughed loudly.

"That's a very good question," he said. "We're going to figure Chad out now?"

Ray Lewis, who at age 33 is three years older than the receiver, has noticed a change in attitude when he talks to him on the phone.

"These are the things that he has grabbed onto, to say that life is life, life is good," the linebacker said. "You can be a true role model to some people and show people what life is about when you really challenge yourself to be great every day."

Asked about the name change, Ray Lewis chuckled.

"It's whatever it is," he said. "If that's the way he feels he wants to be called, then let him go by that."

(espn.com)

The Ravens don't want anybody to read anything into it, but middle linebacker Ray Lewis did sit on the bench while his teammates were being introduced Saturday night for the second preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings. There were other times during the game when he sat alone on the bench while the rest of the defense was huddled up on the sideline. The last time these kind of things happened Lewis was irked at management because he didn't get a new contract.

Lewis is in the final year of his current deal.

So with that said, I won't read anything into it. Not one bit. Nothing.

Maybe Ray was on the sideline waiting to get his ankle taped, or plotting his next pre-game dance. Maybe he was trying to scope out the landscape and the logistics in case he wants to make his intro dropping out of a helicopter.

But let's not read anything into this. Maybe he just wanted to be alone.

(weblogs.baltimoresun.com)

The Baltimore Sun reports Ravens ILB Ray Lewis played only a few series wearing the defensive radio helmet against New England Patriots, but he seems to like it so far. This past offseason, NFL owners approved the installation of defensive transmitters in helmets. Quarterbacks have used offensive helmet transmitters since the policy was adopted in 1994. "It's cool," Lewis said. "It gives you the same advantage our offense has had. I think you will be able to test it more once you get in front of the crowd and not have to run to the sideline every play or signal in for three or four guys. So I think that's going to be great."

(ffmastermind.com)

WESTMINSTER, Md. — It would be easy to assume that Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is not as fast as he used to be and that he does not deliver those punishing hits like he once did.

Then, a rookie running back like Ray Rice tries to pull a juke move while going up the middle at the Ravens training camp.

Wham!

Lewis makes his usual thunderous introduction.

Lewis might be 33 and heading toward the twilight of his NFL career, but he is not ready to cave in to Father Time easily.

In fact, he thinks he still has a lot of football left in his tank as he enters the final year of his contract.

“One thing I always say is that if you’re older, then there’s a lot of wisdom and a lot of knowledge, and if you take care of your body, with the longevity of this game, you can play as long as you want,” Lewis said.

There were rumblings last season that Lewis had lost a step, despite leading the team in tackles for the 10th time in his career with 120.
Lewis has a quick answer for those who believe his skills have diminished.

“All I have to do is invite them into my defense,” said Lewis, a nine-time Pro Bowl choice. “We were the only defense who didn’t see a 100-yard rusher last year. So, we are OK with that.

“So, inviting people to come see me up the middle is not a good thing to do. Most of the time, they are just trying to get away from me.”

It has been that way since the Ravens drafted Lewis out of the University of Miami in the first round in 1996, the team’s first year after moving from Cleveland.

The Ravens also drafted offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden that year. He retired after last season.

While Ogden has watched some of preseason camp from the sideline, Lewis remains in the middle of it all, imploring the Ravens defense to keep up its intensity and doing his best to confuse the three quarterbacks vying for the starting job, including former University of Delaware star Joe Flacco.

Then there are the countless lessons he teaches to young players like Rice.

“I told Ray Rice that [running] north and south wins,” Lewis said. “If you see me in that hole, bouncing [outside] sometimes works, but in this business it doesn’t. Never go east and west.

“It’s a little thing like that that you can teach these younger guys.”

John Harbaugh, in his first season as Ravens head coach, feels like he has an extra coach in the defensive huddle.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to coach a football team that Ray Lewis is on,” Harbaugh said. “Just watching practice, you see why he is one of the all-time greats, why he’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer and why he believes he has a lot of football left in him. Because he does.”

Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan laughed when he thought back to the team’s first mandatory camp in May.

“It was funny; when he could have held himself [out] and wasn’t really going to practice, he was going to do individual drills [only],” Ryan said. “Then, when we called 11-on-11, he couldn’t help himself. He had to jump out there.

“I think he just wanted for all the new coaches to see that, hey, this is Ray Lewis. He made some spectacular plays, like we always have seen.” To Ryan, Lewis is a freak of nature.

“I know eventually he’s going to have to slow down,” Ryan said. “I just don’t see it happening in the near future. He looks tremendous. He is in great shape, and that age is just a number right now.”

(delawareonline.com)

WESTMINSTER, Md. — Thirteen seasons later, Ray Lewis isn't much different from the 21-year-old rookie who played middle linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens with his own brand of passion and enthusiasm.

At the first full-team practice Friday under Ravens first-year coach John Harbaugh, Lewis directed the defence and sprinted toward running backs as if it was the middle of October. He even took the time to offer some fatherly advice to rookie running back Ray Rice, who dared try to juke a tackle before Lewis planted him in the ground.

"I told him, 'If you see me in the hole, bouncing around sometimes works. But in this business it doesn't. North and south wins, never go east and west,"' Lewis said.

Who can blame Rice for trying to avoid Lewis, a nine-time Pro Bowler and one of the best linebackers in the NFL?

"Not one of the best. The best," insisted defensive co-ordinator Rex Ryan, now in his 10th season with Baltimore. "I just know he was the best when I got here and he's the best now. Still."

The Ravens went 5-11 last season, but it sure wasn't Lewis's fault. He led the team in tackles for the 10th time and was the focal point on the only defence in the league that did not allow a 100-yard rusher. He missed the last two games with a finger injury, but says his 33-year-old body has never felt better and that the experience he's gained over the past 12 years have only served to make him better.

"Old is a lot of wisdom and a lot of knowledge, and if you take care of your body the way I take care of my body, you can play as long as you want," he said.

Opposing quarterbacks and running backs who believe Lewis might have lost a step after playing in 162 games have been extended an open invitation to venture into the middle of the Baltimore defence.

"Most of the time they're trying to get away from me," Lewis said with a chuckle.

Lewis was drafted in the first round by the Ravens in 1996, the team's first year of existence, along with offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden. While Ogden watched from the sideline Friday after announcing his retirement last month, Lewis zipped through the two-hour practice with the zeal of a kid trying to make the team.

Not that it came as any surprise to his coaches and teammates. Lewis loves playing football, and will never take it easy on the field - even during a seven-on-seven drill under the hot summer sun. Because if he doesn't try his hardest, then Lewis won't maintain the high standard he sets for himself.

"The amazing thing is, he keeps coming out here every single year trying to get better," Ryan said. "I think that's why he maintains such a high level of play."

Lewis long ago earned the respect of his teammates. He is the unquestioned leader of the defence, and not merely through leading by example. His feet are always in motion, and so is his mouth.

"He's still the same guy who tells us whether to look for a run or a pass, still the same guy who talks it up before the snap," tackle Kelly Gregg said. "You'd think in your 13th training camp you'd sort of slow down, but not Ray. He runs the show."

Harbaugh, a former assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles, got a taste of Lewis' enthusiasm during minicamp. Seeing the linebacker in shoulder pads at training camp made Harbaugh appreciate how sweet it is to have Lewis on his side.

"It's great to have an opportunity to coach a football team that Ray Lewis is on," he said. "Just watching practice today, you can see why he's one of the all-time greats and a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and why he believes he's got of football left in him. Because he does."

It seems hard to imagine that someone who has played in all those games for all those years can still be effective at a position that requires speed, agility and a rock-hard body. Then again, who says there's an age limit for an athlete to play like a champion?

"They said Michael Strahan was old, but he beat every tackle in front of him and won a Super Bowl. That's what I appreciate about me and all the other guys I see, whether it's Kevin Garnett or Ray Allen (of the NBA champion Boston Celtics)," Lewis said. "I think age is for everybody else who's done it before and still wants to do it - or someone who doesn't want to pay you a whole lot of money."

Lewis is signed through the 2008 season. If the Ravens expect to bring up his advancing years when negotiating a new contract, Lewis will simply tell them that he's a better player now than when he accepted his last deal in 2003.

"Anytime you can be healthy at this point in your career, you're like, 'I don't ever want to be 25 or 26 because I know too much right now and I'm way past where I was,"' he said. "So now, coming into camp is more fun for you because you're in the best shape of your life and know how to take care of your body way better than when you were younger.

"Now you can really appreciate the game."

(ap.com)

The Carroll County Times reports Baltimore Ravens new HC John Harbaugh said that ILB Ray Lewis, 33, may be substituted for on third downs more often than in the past, he doesn't seem to have to lost much speed and posted his second-highest total with 10 pass deflections last year. "I know eventually he's going to have to slow down, I just don't see it happening in the near future," DC Rex Ryan said. "That age is just a number right now. He's an unusual guy." Regarded as a future lock for the Hall of Fame, Lewis said he is in top shape due to grueling workouts and a strict diet and weighs 255 pounds with nearly six-percent body fat.

(ffmastermind.com)

Within the collective heart of the three-man Baltimore linebacking corps beats just one mantra this year: Show me the money. Ray Lewis might say he bleeds purple, but he's entering a contract year and he's desperate for his career's last big splash of green. The Ravens wisely didn't give into his entreaties for a new deal this offseason, and hope to get a monster year out of a player whose reputation has surpassed his production of late.

Baltimore's Bart Scott likewise is in the final season of his contract, and needs a bounce-back performance if he's going to remain in the Ravens' plans. And then there's Terrell Suggs, who the team franchised this offseason at $8.5 million, but failed to come to a long-term agreement with. An extension must now wait until after the season, when Baltimore figures to make him its leading priority in terms of potential free agency.

The linebackers' dash for the cash should make things interesting for Baltimore's veteran-laden defense this season. The Ravens, one would think, will benefit from the chase. At least before Lewis, Scott or Suggs do.

(cnnsi.com)

No deal is imminent, but the Ravens and Pro Bowl LB Ray Lewis are closer to agreeing to a new contract that will allow him to play two more seasons, and finish his career in Baltimore if he desires. The Ravens believe that Lewis, about to enter his 13th season, can be a dominant player for two more seasons even though he has showed signs of slowing down. The most interesting aspect will be the relationship that develops between Lewis and first year coach John Harbaugh, who is trying to establish his own presence on a team that has had a lot of sour veteran players in recent seasons, including Lewis. ...

(sportingnews.com)

TMZ.com, a Web site that tracks all things salacious in the celebrity world, is reporting that a Phoenix-area company is suing Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis for nearly $5,800 for what TMZ says were hostesses who were provided for a Lewis event at the last Super Bowl.

To be clear, the suit itself identifies whatever Lewis is supposed to owe money for as "promotional services." If the word hostess is in the lawsuit and I missed it, I apologize.

An odd thing about the suit is that it identifies some of the defendants thusly: "Ray and Jane Doe Lewis are husband and wife and are nonresidents of Arizona."

If the Ravens' linebacker is married, that's news to me and also to the team. Here's a copy of a suit posted by TMZ.

(baltimoresun.com)

Ray Lewis has reportedly bought into new Ravens coach John Harbaugh's more demanding offseason approach.
Lewis, entering a contract year, knows the only team he's going to get a big extension from is the Ravens, so he'd better buy in. Lewis also needs to stay healthy, and perhaps the more intensive program will help him do that.

Sources tell me that the most pivotal Raven in terms of being a team bellwether -- middle linebacker Ray Lewis -- has fully signed on to Harbaugh's program and has embraced Baltimore's culture change in all ways. If nothing else, Lewis is no dummy. He's seeking one more huge contract before retirement beckons, and he knows he has no shot of getting it from the Ravens -- or anyone else -- if he doesn't play ball and play it well this season.

"Ray wants the whole world to see who the real Ray Lewis really is,'' a Ravens source said. "The perception of him out there, it isn't right. Ray is totally in line with things here this year and has grabbed onto it as his own.''

(cnnsi.com)

10. Jon Beason, Carolina Panthers: It didn't take long for Carolina's 2007 first-round pick to shift from the weak side to the middle, but it'll probably take much longer for anyone to move him out of that spot. Beason ranked third in the league in total tackles last season and tied for second in solo stops. He made eight or more solo tackles in a game eight times and got his hands on seven passes, picking off one. Losing Kris Jenkins and Mike Rucker up front might leave more blockers for Beason to sift through, but he has the tools to remain among the league's tackle leaders. 

12. Jonathan Vilma, New Orleans Saints: Perhaps no Jet was as negatively affected by the hiring of head coach Eric Mangini as much as Vilma. At 230 pounds, Vilma is the lightest starting middle linebacker in the league (at least until rookie Jordon Dizon officially enters the lineup), and that fact is even more pronounced in a 3-4 defense. Such a scheme creates more traffic in the middle and allows more guards to get to the linebacker level. Vilma had trouble moving through the extra bodies to make his usual number of plays. As if that weren't bad enough, knee surgery ended his 2007 at midyear. If his knee is ready and holds up this year in the Saints' 4-3 scheme, Vilma — who led the league in tackles in 2005 — could outperform this ranking. 

13. D.J. Williams, Denver Broncos: It has to be kind of tough being D.J. Williams. You come into the league and perform quite well as a rookie starter on the weak side. So, of course, the team brings back Ian Gold and shifts you to the strong side. Two years later, the team pulls the plug on middle starter Al Wilson and decides that you'd fit in well there. Despite some natural confusion in the new role, you rank second in the league in tackles in 2007. Obviously, it's then time for you to return to the weak side. Williams' new old role could well be the best spot for him. Although he's bound to face fewer tackle chances than in the middle, he could make more big plays (sacks, interceptions). At the very least, maybe he can finally settle into one role. 

25. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens: This might seem low on the list for Lewis, but the Ravens leader has played a full 16-game schedule just once in the past six seasons. At 33, Lewis can still get it done, though. His solo tackles were on pace for the low-to-mid 90s in each of the past two seasons, had he not missed two games in each. He's just a year removed from a career-high five sacks and has picked off two passes in two straight years. Nevertheless, durability is a worthwhile concern, as is the fact that he made five or fewer solo tackles in eight of 14 games in 2007. 

In a week or two, we could be hearing some news about the team's negotiations with veteran star linebacker Ray Lewis. There has been some movement on both sides, and it's getting close to the point where it's either going to get done, or it's over for a while. The Ravens want to treat Lewis well because of what he has done for this franchise, but they can't afford to overpay a player entering his 13th season. There has been no progress in the talks with Pro Bowl outside linebacker Terrell Suggs. The two sides aren't even talking right now.

(cnnsi.com)

BALTIMORE -- Enjoy Ray Lewis while you can.

Because in a few years, the future Hall of Fame linebacker plans to separate himself from the NFL completely -- with no second-guessing and no regrets.

"When it's time for me to hang up those cleats, there is no coming back,'' Lewis said. "There is no 'Yeah, I feel good again and I'm in better shape.' Because I know what I give every day of my life, and that is complete focus on my task at hand.''

That current task is bringing Baltimore back to prominence. Just two years ago the Ravens were Super Bowl contenders after a 13-3 season, but injuries and inconsistent play resulted in last season's 5-11 finish.

Despite nine Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl MVP on his résumé, Lewis says he is training harder than ever. Increasing his workout regimen with age is a trick he learned from former teammates Rod Woodson and Shannon Sharpe, who played 17 and 14 years, respectively.

Lewis, who turns 33 Thursday, is in his 13th season and believes his intense training will help him play "another three or four years, easily.'' He arrived at minicamp in midseason form last weekend, weighing 255 pounds with 6 percent body fat and biceps large enough to make running backs cringe.

In addition, there is a newfound energy about Lewis. He was running around the practice field last week like a 23-year-old and was playful in the locker room with actual 23-year-olds, such as rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.

"You appreciate it more,'' said Lewis. "You appreciate why you play the game, why you mentor these young kids, and why you go through the ups and downs of this business. So my energy is more incredible now than I think it's probably ever been, probably because of the excitement of everything that's going on."

Much of the optimism in Baltimore revolves around the hire of rookie head coach John Harbaugh, who replaced Brian Billick after nine seasons.

Harbaugh spent the past few months with both hands over his ears, blocking out any public perception about his new team and particularly as it pertains to Lewis.

There is speculation in Baltimore that Lewis' strong personality could make it difficult for a first-time head coach to put his imprint on the team. Harbaugh is in the process of running a much tighter ship than Billick, and the theory was that if Lewis wasn't on board, the locker room would be tough to win over.

Harbaugh said his relationship with his star player is the "complete opposite" of what outsiders expected.

"I didn't know if it was going to be a problem or a solution, and Ray has been beyond a solution,'' Harbaugh said. "Ray is every bit the leader than probably anybody in the history of the NFL. That is a big statement. But I've been in the league 10 years now, and I can't imagine there being a better leader in this league than Ray Lewis.''

This season marks a contract year for Lewis.

Baltimore is in a tough spot because all three starting linebackers potentially could hit the open market after the 2008 season. Bart Scott is at the end of a three-year deal he signed before the 2006 season, and Terrell Suggs was given a one-year franchise tag in February.

The Ravens currently are negotiating extensions with both Suggs and Lewis, but there are no guarantees either will reach an agreement by the start of the regular season.

"I've never got caught up in that,'' Lewis said. "If anybody has ever bothered to check with my career, everybody knows there has never been a camp where I've held out.

"There's never been a contract problem with me -- and it will never be that with me -- bottom line."

According to Lewis' timeline, his next contract likely will be his last.

Before long he will join the recently retired Brett Favre and Steve McNair as three throwback players of this generation who could transcend any era. Whether it's linebackers Jack Lambert, Dick Butkus or Mike Singletary, you can envision Lewis lining up next to those players and fitting in perfectly.

But Lewis says he will be prepared when the next phase of his life arrives. That phase will include business ventures and, most importantly, family time.

Lewis' children tug at his heart every day. Most recently he mentioned a track meet that he regrettably missed because of his obligations at Ravens camp.

It's a delicate balance of family and football that Lewis finds increasingly difficult to manage. That is part of the reason Lewis plans to remove himself from the spotlight once he retires, because it will open another door to become the ever-present father he wants to be.

"It's a push-pull [situation],'' Lewis said candidly. "My kids are young enough now. But when they start getting to that age where they are in high school, I want to be there to say, 'I got this. I'll go shopping for everything,' and things like that.

"So that part of life, man, that is exciting once you actually put everything into it that I want to put into it."

(espn.com)

Ray Lewis is not the superstar he once was, but he remains a very good linebacker and is still a leader on the Ravens' impressive defense. He watches tape extensively and always works very hard on and off the field, which pays big dividends on game day. Many times he will recognize what his opponent is looking to do before the snap, but his body can't always do what his mind wants at this advanced stage of his career. However, he can still relay what he sees to his teammates pre-snap. He remains a bone-crushing striker, who very rarely takes false steps in his pursuit of the ball carrier and is an overall intimidator. Lewis led his team with 121 tackles in 2007 and was invited to the Pro Bowl for an amazing ninth time.

While Lewis is still going strong, his partner in crime Bart Scott took a step backward in 2007. The Ravens' defense sets up in different looks, which tend to confuse the offense. When the Ravens show a 3-4 look, Lewis and Scott both play on the inside, but when they use a more traditional 4-3 scheme, Lewis is the middle linebacker and Scott plays on the weak side. Either way, the ball carrier is often funneled in their direction, which gives Lewis and Scott plenty of opportunities to make big plays. Scott was a terror in 2006, but he simply did not impact games in the same fashion this past season. Look for Lewis and the rest of the defense to help Scott return to his dominating Pro Bowl form.

Lewis is an influential veteran who will provide invaluable insight to rookie LB Tavares Gooden. Gooden has a lot of talent and could potentially play any linebacker spot in a 4-3 scheme or either inside spot in a 3-4 scheme. He went to the University of Miami, like Lewis, so Lewis should take a special interest in Gooden's development. Baltimore has not drafted a linebacker with Gooden's skills since selecting Edgerton Hartwell in the fourth round of the 2001 draft. That is a great tribute to just how reliable Lewis has been over that span. Gooden eventually could replace Lewis and should immediately light a fire under Scott.  

(espn.com)

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports the Ravens and MLB Ray Lewis have hit a stalemate in talks regarding a long-term extension.

Schefter says the sides are nowhere near an agreement. The Ravens know Lewis won't take plays off just because he's in a contract season, it'll be up to him to lower his asking price if he wants to stay in Baltimore.

(rotoworld.com)

WASHINGTON (Map, News) - Ray Lewis is prepared to divorce the Ravens if the sides do not agree on a contract extension.

Lewis, who is entering the final year of his contract, addressed the issue this week on the NFL Network.

“Would I play somewhere else? The business creates that,” Lewis said. “We have to understand that — no matter what you do and how you try to do it — if you understand that, then the game of football is fun for you. It never changes for you. So, if you do go somewhere else, you go have a great career somewhere else.”

Lewis also said his football legacy could extend beyond Baltimore.

“I believe your legacy is not [decided] by the city, I believe it’s the way you play the game, no matter what color jersey you have on” Lewis said. “I’m a Raven, though. I’m a Raven for life. Purple and black is just what I do. But, the business side? If it takes off, it takes off.”

The 12-year veteran was just named to his ninth Pro Bowl. But the Ravens are negotiating a contract extension for linebacker Terrell Suggs, and Ozzie Newsome, the team’s general manager, has not acknowledged talks with Lewis’ representatives.

Lewis already is one of the highest paid players at his position — he is scheduled to make $6.5 million next season — and a similar contract extension could cripple the salary cap-troubled team.

“[When] I’m not able to compete — at whatever level I feel I’m not able to compete in this league — then I’ll walk away,” Lewis said. “I’ve got too much football left in me.”

Lewis has one big supporter — owner Steve Bisciotti.

Bisciotti told reporters last month that Lewis is still one of the game’s best.

“You see Ray Lewis running around this year doing what he did at 32 years old,” he said. “There’s no end in sight for Ray Lewis.”

(examiner.com)

According to the Baltimore Sun, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said that in early negotiations with linebacker Ray Lewis about an extension, Lewis has asked for Peyton Manning type money.

Wow. Just, wow. It that’s true, which is should be coming from the GM’s mouth, I’m just speechless.

Sure, Lewis is still the defenses trademark player, and can still intimidate and hit players. However, he’s clearly past the prime of his career, being thirty-three, and I don’t even think the Ravens should give him good money for a linebacker.

Manning signed a seven year, $99.2 million extension. Ya, no one is going to give Lewis that. He probably wouldn’t of even got it in the prime of his career.

If Lewis, who’s contract is up at the end of this season, can get the delusion that he’s an unstoppable middle force in his mid-twenties out of his head, than he might be able to reach an agreement with Baltimore before the end of the 2008 season. However, the fact that he’s asking for this much in preliminary discussions tells me that he’ll be demanding a lot when the talks get serious, which I doubt the Ravens are willing to pay.

Lewis’s possible departure has prompted many to believe that the Ravens could take a linebacker, specifically Kieth Rivers, with the eighth pick. If Matt Ryan is there, than they’ll take him, but Rivers is a possibility.

This article also notes that the team likes guard Branden Albert. With Jonathan Ogden possibly retiring, this wouldn’t be a bad pick.

Also, it appears that the Ravens won’t be moving up to ensure they get Ryan, as they aren’t willing to offer enough to the Rams or Falcons.

(nflsource.com)

Ray Lewis was in attendance as the Ravens broke for their first offseason minicamp on Thursday.
This was unexpected with Lewis having skipped the start of the offseason program and in a contract year. He doesn't normally take part in voluntary work. Trevor Pryce (pectorals) and Chris McAlister (knee) also participated.

(rotoworld.com)

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said the team is in “open dialogue” with Lewis on a contract extension and would actively pursue him if he reaches free agency.

“If he becomes a free agent next year, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams,” Bisciotti said today during a break at the NFL annual meetings. “We know Ray’s value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. We know the commitment and the effort he gives to winning.”

This is the first time the Ravens have allowed Lewis to reach the final year of his contract.

(insidecharmcity.com)

February 29, 2008. First Floyd Mayweather signs with the WWE, now MediaTakeOut.com is hearing whispers that NFL's Ray Lewis is close to signing on to the Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts league.

According to a person who works at U.F.C., the Baltimore Ravens star linebacker and the league have been negotiating for months and are close to closing the deal. The insider told MediaTakeOut.com, "Ray Lewis was an All-American wrestler in high school, and he's just an all around bad a**. He'll fit in perfectly here."

And the insider claims that the deal wouldn't interfere with Ray's NFL career. He explained to MediaTakeOut.con, "We're not looking to sign him on full-time, just a match or two a year - and he can handpick the opponent ... He has such a big name that it will do wonders for the sport."

(mediatakeout.com)

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis pulled his chin strap off his chin, placed it over his mouth as if he was daring air to penetrate the rubber, then sprinted to hunt down a young running back during a practice at Ravens camp. As if training camp was hard enough, Lewis, for some reason, was clearly trying to make it harder on this 95-degree day.

What the heck was that about, big boy?

"At this age I'm constantly looking to challenge myself, constantly looking to take my body and push it to the limits," Lewis said in a half-hour sitdown with

FOXSports.com. "These young cats ask me all the time, 'How are you still going at this level for 12 years?' I prepared my body for this for years. It's like a car, if you keep putting the wrong gas in a car that car will eventually break down. These kids do it wrong. I'm always looking to challenge myself. I want five more years at least and to do that I've got to push myself to places my body's never been. These kids today ... they're not about that."

The moment Lewis mentioned the term "these kids" the conversation immediately shifted gears toward what is obviously a sore subject in Lewis' world these days.

Baltimore Ravens All-Pro linebacker Ray Lewis has never been shy with words.

So it only seemed like a natural fit that the 12-year veteran would one day host his own radio show. Lewis will take to the airwaves for a weekly radio show every Monday night throughout the upcoming football season.

"The Ray Lewis Show" will simulcast on CBS Radio's 105.7 WHFS-FM and ESPN Radio 1300 AM. Lewis' Canton restaurant, Ray Lewis' Full Moon Bar-B-Que, will be the site of the broadcast.

ESPN 1300's Anita Marks will co-host the program.

Lewis was MVP of the Ravens' 2000 Super Bowl XXXV victory over the New York Giants.

After years of chasing down running backs, all of the NFL's great middle linebackers eventually found something they themselves couldn't elude -- time.

Mike Singletary decided to retire after 12 seasons before his play declined. Jack Lambert walked away after 11 years because of a severe toe injury. And Dick Butkus stopped after nine seasons because of multiple knee injuries.

Now, in his 12th season, Ray Lewis is entering a similar stage in his career, or is he?

Unlike the past greats, Lewis said he is not close to calling it quits.

"It's incredible. Some people say you go [in] reverse once you hit the 30 mark, but I think I'm going the other way," said Lewis, 32, whose Ravens begin their final minicamp of the offseason tomorrow. "So where I am right now, it's scary because now I can really see that my best football is ahead of me, and so that's what's more exciting than anything, for me."

Football in the summer? Not exactly. "Ray's Summer Days," presented by Baltimore Ravens player Ray Lewis, is a three-day affair featuring an array of benefit sports events and other fundraising activities. The public is invited to head to the stands at Patterson Park on Saturday and watch Ray lead a Youth Fitness Clinic. Some 600 children were selected to partake in the exercise clinic, which will feature some of Ray's teammates, Redskins players and local celebrities. Other "Summer Days" activities include a VIP meet-and-greet, cocktail reception and auction, golfing match, celebrity bowling tournament and Pev's Celebrity Paintball Tournament. Events benefit the Ray Lewis Foundation, whose mission is to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youths.

"Ray's Summer Days" runs today through Saturday. The free Youth Fitness Clinic runs 9 a.m.-noon Saturday at Patterson Park. The VIP meet-and-greet, cocktail reception and auction are today at Martin's West, 6817 Dogwood Road. The meet-and-greet begins at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $1,000. The cocktail reception and auction begin at 7 p.m., and tickets are $150. The golf match is at 9 a.m. tomorrow at the Woodlands, 2309 Ridge Road in Windsor Mill. Also tomorrow, the Celebrity Bowling Tournament is at 6 p.m. at Perry Hall Lanes, 4359 Ebenezer Road. Tickets for both events are $500 per player. Pev's Celebrity Paintball Tournament runs 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at a private location. Tickets are $250. All tickets must be bought in advance. Call 305-535-9937 or go to rayssummerdays.com.

(baltimoresun.com)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Ray Lewis should be past his prime. The Baltimore Ravens linebacker has played 11 years in the NFL, and last month he celebrated his 32nd birthday.

Instead, Lewis has seemingly found a way to defy the aging process. He showed up at minicamp Tuesday looking as trim as he was during his rookie season in 1996.

"It's incredible, you know. Some people say you go in reverse once you hit the 30 mark, but I think I'm going the other way," he said.

Lewis didn't drop pounds. But he's much leaner than he was a year ago, thanks to a revamped workout schedule in which he did most of his exercising at night and added kickboxing, wrestling and swimming to the mix.

(WJZ) BALTIMORE, Md. The drive along Baltimore City's Russell Street on the way to 295 and I-95 will soon be getting some scenic additions.

As Peggy Lee reports, on Wednesday, City Hall revealed their new vision for the southwest area of downtown Baltimore known as the "Gateway South Project."

"This Gateway South will bring hundreds of thousands of square feet of modern office and retail space that will attract people and businesses to the city," said Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis withdrew from the Pro Bowl because of a hand injury he sustained in a playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

Lewis' place on the AFC roster will be filled by teammate Bart Scott, who was an alternate and will be making his first appearance in the game in Honolulu.

Lewis was a first alternate who replaced injured linebacker Al Wilson of the Denver Broncos. He led the Ravens' top-ranked defense with 164 tackles, the ninth time in his 11-year career he finished as Baltimore's leading tackler. He also had five sacks and two interceptions.

Scott finished with 130 tackles, second to Lewis, and had 91/2 sacks and two interceptions.

The Ravens will have six players at the Pro Bowl. Safety Ed Reed, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas were picked to be starters. Linebacker Terrell Suggs and cornerback Chris McAlister will head to Hawaii as reserves.

(nbcsports.com)

BALTIMORE (AP) -Ray Lewis is going to the Pro Bowl, after all.

The Baltimore Ravens' middle linebacker earned an eighth trip to Hawaii on Wednesday, replacing injured linebacker Al Wilson of the Denver Broncos on the AFC squad. Lewis was named a first alternate last month.

Lewis led the Ravens' top-ranked defense with 164 tackles, the ninth time in his 11-year career he finished as Baltimore's leading tackler. He also had five sacks and two interceptions.

Lewis is the sixth member of the Ravens to be named to the Pro Bowl. Safety Ed Reed, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas were picked to be starters. Linebacker Terrell Suggs and cornerback Chris McAlister will head to Hawaii as reserves.

The Baltimore Development Corp. voted behind closed doors Thursday morning in favor of a development team led by the Cormomy Company and linked with Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis to redevelop a group of waterfront properties in the Carroll Camden section of the city.

The vote appeared to have taken place under the same circumstances as another redevelopment project which was challenged in the courts and ultimately required the city's economic development arm to open its meetings to the public.

Following the meeting, board Chairman Arnold L. Williams and BDC President M.J. "Jay" Brodie said they consulted with an attorney from the city's law department before taking the closed door vote.

OWINGS MILLS // Proudly wearing his AFC North championship cap, linebacker Ray Lewis insisted he wasn't bitter about being snubbed for the Pro Bowl.

Speaking for the first time since he was named an alternate Tuesday, Lewis expressed regret that teammates Trevor Pryce and Bart Scott did not make the team before openly questioning the voting of players around the league.

"I never played this game for Pro Bowls," Lewis said Wednesday. "Is it sad the way it goes down? Of course. I was around when the voting was right. I was around when you used to vote for guys for what they did and not by whatever comes up.

"Now, it's getting kind of crazy because the league is getting very young. These guys don't know how to vote no more. That's not the way the game should be."

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP)- The AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens had five players selected to play in the Pro Bowl, including two linebackers- neither of whom is named Ray Lewis.

Safety Ed Reed, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and outside linebacker Adalius Thomas were named starters; linebacker Terrell Suggs and cornerback Chris McAlister will head to Hawaii as reserves.

Lewis, tight end Todd Heap, kicker Matt Stover and special team standout Gary Stills were named alternates. To join their teammates at the Pro Bowl, a player listed ahead of them must choose not to play.

Linebacker Ray Lewis will play, but right guard Keydrick Vincent and tight end Daniel Wilcox will not in today's Ravens showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lewis (bruised back) was not on the Ravens' injury report and will play for the first time since colliding with free safety Ed Reed during the team's win against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 5.

(baltimoresun.com)

Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis practiced yesterday for the first time since injuring his back nearly three weeks ago, and his availability for tomorrow is considered a game-time decision.

During the media viewing of yesterday's non-contact workout, Lewis showed no hesitancy in any of the drills, whether it was running, backpedaling or catching a pass from coach Brian Billick.

Asked after practice whether he intends to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers tomorrow, Lewis said, "I don't know yet."

Ray Lewis appears closer to ending his two-game absence and playing in the Ravens' meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker sat out Sunday's 24-10 throttling of the Atlanta Falcons after undergoing minor surgery Thursday to drain blood from his bruised back.

But Ravens coach Brian Billick said he is hopeful that Lewis will play for the first time since getting hurt in a collision with free safety Ed Reed on Nov. 5.

Ray Lewis appears closer to ending his two-game absence and playing in the Ravens' meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker sat out Sunday's 24-10 throttling of the Atlanta Falcons after undergoing minor surgery Thursday to drain blood from his bruised back.

But Ravens coach Brian Billick said he is hopeful that Lewis will play for the first time since getting hurt in a collision with free safety Ed Reed on Nov. 5.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens officially ruled out linebacker Ray Lewis for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons with a swollen back.

Lewis underwent a minor surgical procedure to have a pocket of blood drained from his back earlier this week.

The seven-time All-Pro will miss his second consecutive game. He severely bruised his back when he collided with teammate Ed Reed's knee in a Nov. 5 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Team officials are hopeful that the surgery will allow Lewis to play next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"The other guys have to step up," Ravens coach Brian Billick said on Friday. "You don't have that comfort zone of always leaning on Ray. They have to make sure they pick up that leadership role as well."

The Ravens (7-2) are preparing versatile outside linebacker/defensive end Jarret Johnson to start at inside linebacker with former practice squad member Dennis Haley filling in on obvious passing downs. Starting inside linebacker Bart Scott will move over to play Lewis' spot, with Johnson occupying Scott's normal position.

(usatoday.com)

Check out Sports Illustrated's Feature on Ray Lewis from the November 13, 2006 magazine. Click on the pictures to enlarge the article to read. Enjoy!

Ray Lewis underwent surgery to have blood in his back drained Wednesday, but the procedure doesn't immediately rule him out of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Lewis, who severely bruised his back on Nov. 5, is expected to remain questionable on Thursday's report. There is still some hope that Lewis could recover over the next couple of days to play, although that's probably optimistic.

With Lewis sidelined from practice, the Ravens have been using Jarret Johnson at inside linebacker.

If Lewis can't play Sunday, the Ravens hope Wednesday's procedure will allow him to play next week.

Coach Brian Billick addressed Lewis' condition in Monday's news conference, saying, "They've got to break that pool of blood that's moving around his back ... in whatever way they can. As I understand it, once that's released, he should be fine."

(baltimoresun.com)

Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans, coach Brian Billick said today.

Lewis bruised his back Sunday and has missed every practice this week. Lewis said he expected to start earlier in the week, but he doesn't seem to have gotten his mobility back yet.

"Everything's [structurally] fine, but it's stiff," Billick said of Lewis' back. "It hurts."

BALTIMORE - Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis said this week that he plans to reach out to current University of Miami football players in the wake of the shooting death of defensive tackle Bryan Pata.

Lewis, who played for the Hurricanes in 1993-95, called on other ex-players to take a bigger role in shaping the school’s football program.

Pata’s death Tuesday was just one in a series of negative, high-profile stories surrounding the national power. Three weeks ago, the team was involved in a bench-clearing brawl with Florida International that furthered perpetuated an outlaw image at the school.

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis and free safety Ed Reed did not practice yesterday at the Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills and are questionable for Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.

Lewis injured his back and Reed bruised his leg when the two collided on a fumble return that was eventually overturned during the fourth quarter of Sunday's 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

BALTIMORE - Ravens star Ray Lewis, the subject of a Sports Illustrated story this week detailing the complicated linebacker’s life and faith, spoke Wednesday about a series of issues.

“I think it’s just a lot of things that will help a lot of men that truly have struggles in life,” Lewis said, on why he did the magazine interview. “And maybe a lot of them won’t speak about it, but I think it will help and really enlighten a lot of people.”

In the story, Lewis revealed the emotional toll a fatherless childhood took on him and vividly recalled sobbing two years ago when his father, Ray Jackson, said he would meet Lewis. When Lewis arrived, Jackson said he was not coming.

In the next issue of Sports Illustrated, Ray Lewis is on the cover. Click on the link below to see pictures from the feature. Once the magazine hits the stands you will be able to find the article scanned here in its entiriety.

For now enjoy the pictures by clicking here.

BALTIMORE - Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis sat at his locker inside M&T Bank Stadium after Sunday’s game and kept rubbing his back. He was clearly in pain as, ever so slowly, he pulled himself up by the locker’s clothing rod.

He gingerly walked off to the showers and emerged a few minutes later. He dressed himself, put on his best smile and told the media about the bizarre confluence of events that led to his injury in the Ravens’ 26-20 win over the Bengals.

The Ravens thought they had come up with a fumble recovery, one that would eventually be reversed, on the play. Safety Ed Reed and Lewis collided. Reed’s leg was bruised, as was Lewis’ spine.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Chad Johnson issued a friendly warning to Ray Lewis on Wednesday, joking that when he faces the Baltimore Ravens linebacker Sunday he will "hit him in the mouth."

Johnson has 36 catches and two touchdowns for the Cincinnati Bengals, who need a victory in Baltimore to avoid falling two games behind the first-place Ravens in the AFC North.

Cincinnati swept the Ravens last year with the aid of Johnson's 10 receptions for 179 yards and a touchdown against cornerbacks Samari Rolle and Chris McAlister.

Talk to almost anyone about the Baltimore Ravens’ rugged defense and it doesn’t take very long for the conversation to turn to one man in particular.

“It starts with No. 52,” New Orleans Saints running back Deuce McAllister said of All-Pro middle linebacker Ray Lewis, the heart and soul and unquestioned leader of the Ravens defense.

“When they’re able to protect him and let him make plays without getting double-teamed,” McAllister said, “and you can’t get a guard or fullback up on him, he’s going to make life hard for you.”

The Baltimore Ravens are accustomed to being around one of the NFL's truly great defensive players, middle linebacker Ray Lewis. They'll welcome another in that rare category Sunday -- Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers -- for what figures to be a defense-dominated game.

Lewis, who led Baltimore to a Super Bowl title during the 2000 season, marvels at the play this year of Peppers, who is tied for the league lead with six sacks and has put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Lewis said Peppers might be the most dominant player -- on offense or defense -- in the NFL.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - As a run-stopping defensive tackle, Maake Kemoeatu stayed out of the headlines when he played in Baltimore. But when he left the Ravens to sign a five-year, $23 million free-agent deal with Carolina in the offseason, Ray Lewis was incensed.

"He loves the game, so anytime you lose someone like that it's a hurtful thing, especially at this point in my career," the seven-time Pro Bowl pick said this week. "His best football is in front of him because he is still learning so much."

Lewis will see Kemoeatu again Sunday when the Panthers visit Baltimore.

ENGLEWOOD - Just try eliminating the middle man Monday.

In Al Wilson of Denver and Ray Lewis of Baltimore, NFL fans who tune in (6:30 p.m., CBS 4, ESPN) might be watching the two best middle linebackers in the game today.

"I certainly wouldn't argue with that," Ravens coach Brian Billick said Thursday.

Lewis is a seven-time Pro Bowl player and two-time Defensive Player of the Year since entering the league in 1996. Wilson, who broke in three years later, has been voted to the NFL's postseason all-star game four times in the past five seasons and attained All-Pro status in 2005.

Two weeks ago I wrote about how Ravens head coach Brian Billick was wondering how the team was going to handle pre-game introductions. On the one hand, the team had been introducing the entire team during the preseason just like the New England Patriots. On the other hand, the pre-game introduction of the defense had always seemed to amp up the home crowd at M&T Bank Stadium. So Billick split the difference, and the first team offense was introduced before the home opener against the Oakland Raiders. Starting quarterback Steve McNair got a lot of love when he was introduced last.

BALTIMORE - Months before Shawne Merriman became a first-round NFL draft pick, Ray Lewis felt compelled to provide advice, encouragement and guidance to the budding star.

Lewis was watching his brother, running back Keon Lattimore, at a University of Maryland football game when he noticed Merriman, a defensive end who played with enthusiasm and tackled with authority.

"I took him under my wing. I kind of met him then, and from there, the relationship just actually blossomed," said Lewis, a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens. "He has the same kind of heart and the same kind of passion I do."

During yesterday's practice, several Ravens players were questioning middle linebacker Ray Lewis about whether there will be any changes to his much-anticipated pre-game dance, which is expected to return Sunday after a yearlong hiatus.

Lewis' response: His attention has been on the moves of San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson and not his own.

Lewis said he has been watching film of the Chargers from the moment he gets home until he goes to sleep. Though he'll typically split his time between dissecting the running back and quarterback, that's not the case this week with San Diego.

We don't want to say anything bad about Ray Lewis, but thankfully, the half-shirt look never caught on.

Ray Lewis and Shawne Merriman get to state their case for the AFC's best defence on Sunday when the Baltimore Ravens host the San Diego Chargers in a battle of unbeaten teams.

Led by Lewis at middle linebacker, the Ravens have allowed a total of 20 points and recorded 16 sacks in their first three games.

With Merriman creating havoc from his outside linebacker spot, the Chargers have yielded just seven points and registered nine sacks in two games.

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, healthy and playing as well this season as he has in a while, is excited about Sunday's game, a matchup between two of the league's seven remaining unbeaten teams and the two top defenses.

“It's one of those games,” Lewis said yesterday. “The National Football League doesn't get any better than this. This is one of those games you sit home and say, 'Can I play in that game one day?' You're talking about LaDainian Tomlinson to Keenan McCardell to Antonio Gates to Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Adalius Thomas, Shawne Merriman, it goes on and on with big-name players who are going to be facing each other, going at it head to head. So this is one of those games where legends are made. If you want your name, this is where you grab it from, right here.”

Linebacker Ray Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens' defense dominated for the second straight game on Sunday.

If six sacks and six turnovers weren't enough to make fans feel good about the 2006 edition of the Ravens' defense did not allow a first down in either first quarter.

Throughout the off-season there was plenty of talk by fans and the media about trading Lewis because he was unhappy and had lashed out at the organization after a disappointing 6-10 season. Everyone was questioning Lewis. Was he anywhere near the player he had been in previous seasons? Perhaps his unhappiness showed it was time for him to move on.

Coaches find great comfort in knowing a player is going to be at the same spot in the lineup game after game. Baltimore Ravens Coach Brian Billick grew accustomed to having Ray Lewis at middle linebacker just about every game in 1999-2004.

Lewis' constant presence helped provide the leadership, stability and playmaking that made the Ravens' defense one of the best each season. Players fed off Lewis' boundless energy and penchant for delivering game-altering plays.

Lewis' value to the Ravens crystallized when injuries caused him to miss 10 of his team's 16 games last season. He now is healthy again and at the heart of a Ravens defense that bears a familiar look from past years, though many faces have changed.

Go ahead: You be the one to tell Ray Lewis he's done, finished, over.

"I wonder if most of the people can really explain what it is a person lost," Lewis said in a conference call.

He's a 31-year-old Ravens linebacker, an age considered up there in both dog years and NFL life spans.

"It doesn't look like he's missed a step," Raiders coach Art Shell said.

He missed 10 games last season with a torn hamstring that demanded season-ending surgery. Such procedures can downsize football-playing patients into half the brutes they used to be.

It is amazing how much the first game of the season can change the outlook for a football team. Truths hidden under the tedium and pointlessness of the preseason are suddenly and dramatically revealed in Game 1.

Sunday's Bucs-Ravens game revealed several vulnerabilities of the Bucs, starting with the failure of quarterback Chris Simms to adjust to pass rushers with their arms up. Just as disturbing was the demonstration that the defense, ranked first in the NFL a year ago, can be pushed around by a powerful offensive line equipped with two tight ends.

But the opener revealed even more about Baltimore, whose 27-0 victory changed the outlook of the entire AFC.

Five days ago, the Ravens were regarded as a middle-of-the-pack team with an aging core, outclassed in their own division by the Steelers and Bengals.

Deep in Baltimore Ravens ' territory, the pass from Tampa Bay QB Chris Simms hit Michael Pittman on the numbers last Sunday. A nano-second later, so did Ray Lewis.

It was one of those collisions that Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan calls "Oooh-ee!" hits. Pittman was lifted off the turf as if yanked by invisible wires and deposited on his back. Hard. The football, of course, went elsewhere.

All across America, viewers sitting on couches -- including the CBS national television crew -- shook their heads and muttered, "Oh, man!"

Ray Lewis was back.

Some pundits harbored doubts about Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis as the 11-year veteran came off a season-ending injury in 2005. Could he return to his dominant Super Bowl form in 2000? Will he be at full-strength?

Honored as the NFL's AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance in Week 1's 27-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Lewis should be the one asking, "Any more questions?"

The seven-time Pro Bowler was all over the field in his debut, showing no ill effects from a serious hamstring tear that required surgery last year. According to coaches' film, he posted 10 tackles (seven solo), three passes defensed and one jarring sack (nine-yard loss) of Bucs quarterback Chris Simms.

"There had to be some apprehension and I think he laid that to rest, even for himself," said Ravens head coach Brian Billick. "Any hesitation [was dismissed], if there was any at all, that he is ready to go."

TAMPA - Ray Lewis' children grabbed the newspaper Sunday morning and could hardly contain their excitement.

Their father not only was returning to the Tampa Bay area, where the Ravens linebacker is the pride and joy of Lakeland, but also to Raymond James Stadium, where dad was named Super Bowl MVP in 2001.

"This stadium has been good to me. I will never complain about my record here in the stadium, but more importantly, I would never complain about doing what I did in front of my kids [Sunday]. My three boys were here. They picked up the paper, and they were all getting involved in it, and I told them that daddy is going to do what daddy does," Lewis said.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - One is the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the other is the face of the Baltimore Ravens.

Derrick Brooks and Ray Lewis also are close friends who inspire each other with tenacious play and an unwavering commitment to winning. And no disrespect to anyone else, both feel discussions about who's the top linebacker in the NFL should begin - and end - with them.

"Some of his friends think I'm the best. Some of my friends think he's better than me," Brooks said, a smile spreading across his face. "We get a kick out of that.

"We appreciate each other's game. I'm a fan of his and he's a fan of mine."

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis talks passionately about his desire to win and trying to create a better team atmosphere this year. Vikings fans will get a chance to see if his leadership is effective Friday night.

Playing his first game in 10 months, linebacker Ray Lewis appeared stronger and faster than last season despite having a torn hamstring repaired in December.

“When you go through surgery, everyone looks at the pain,” said Lewis, who missed the final 10 games because of that injury and was inactive for the preseason opener. “They don’t look at the recovery and how much your body rests.”

Endurance has become an issue with Lewis, who has failed to finish two of the past four seasons.