Ray Lewis' No. 52 jersey still raking cash for retailers, NFL

Retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is about to start an NFL season in the broadcast studio for the first time, but his No. 52 jersey is still a big-time player in retail.

Lewis ranks No. 8 on the NFL's list of players with the hottest-selling jerseys, according to CNBC. His jersey is still outselling gear worn by current stars such as Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Lewis, who in September will be inducted into the Ravens' Ring of Honor, has slipped a bit since announcing his retirement. His jersey ranked third in the NFL for sales during the 2012 season.

Lewis is focused on his new role as a studio analyst for ESPN. Although he's only months removed from being a player, Lewis told Sports Illustrated he plans to establish himself as a top broadcaster.

"A lot of people have only been introduced to my football mentality — and it is hard to get people to understand the football mentality unless you've lived it," Lewis told the magazine. "I think I am totally different when I'm not thinking about the battle, and I'm going to try to be the best at this. When people learn my personality and actually get into my head, they are going to be surprised by the way I think on an everyday and every-second basis."

It remains to be seen what football viewers will think once they get into Lewis' head. But a lot of them are still getting into his jersey.


(bizjournals.com)