Ray: Not Time For Ed to Retire

Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis hasn’t spoken with safety Ed Reed lately, but he does think his fellow Miami Hurricane will return to football in 2010. 

Reed hinted at retirement just as the 2009 season came to an end, and save for a few brief interviews during the Pro Bowl, he has been largely silent this offseason.    Lewis thinks that is for the best.

“We’ve texted back and forth a couple of times, but when people go through things like that, the only thing you need is time away,” Lewis told BaltimoreRavens.com in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.  “Ed is a true competitor, somebody that loves this game of football.  When it’s time for him to be done, [he will be], but right now it’s not that time.”

Reed emotionally placed his chances on retirement at “50/50″ following a 20-3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 16, largely due to concerns with a nagging nerve impingement in his neck.

Causing a stir across the NFL, it seems everyone associated with the Ravens has been asked about it, most recently owner Steve Bisciotti, who told the Baltimore Sun he would give Reed space to make up his own mind. 

The same went for Lewis, who also pointed out the toll injuries can take on a football player’s body.

“Your body is one thing that you use.  We don’t use nothing else,” noted Lewis.  “Not to dilute any other sport, but other sports use other things. We use our body, and we need it.” 

Lewis smiled when he thought about another year anchoring the Ravens’ defense with Reed, another former NFL Defensive Most Valuable Player. 

“My advice to my homie is to relax, get away from your game,” Lewis said.  “Then, when you’re ready to get that taste in your mouth, call me, and I’ll say something to get you right and we’ll go back at it.”

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(baltimoreravens.com)