As most have heard by now, Ray Lewis is retiring from the NFL following the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season. The Baltimore Ravens and Lewis held a press conference today and here is what the NFL star had to say.
It first began with Lewis expressing his feelings and thoughts on the idea of retirement and how he came to the conclusion. Lewis mentioned the discussion he had with teammates.
"I told my team that this would be my last ride. One of the hardest things is to walk away from my teammates." Lewis also said he was at peace with the decision.
Standing behind reporters at the press conference were Ravens Terrell Suggs and Torrey Smith accompanied by head coach John Harbough. These two are prime examples of tough minded guys Lewis has bred.
He expressed the following "I've done it. There's no accolade I don't have as an individual."
There are plenty of accolades beginning with the simple fact that Lewis played in the NFL for 17 season all with the Ravens.
*12-Time Pro Bowl Selection
*2-Time NFL Defensive POY
*Super Bowl XXXV MVP
*41.5 Career Sacks
*31 Career INT
That is a loaded resume, but football is not Lewis' focus anymore. "Now, God is calling in other areas of life. When god calls, he calls and he's calling. He calls me to be a father. "
Lewis promised his son, who received a full ride to the University of Miami, that "Daddy would be there." For Lewis, being a father is more important than anything else right now and he gave his word to his son that he would be there every step of his college career and beyond.
How do you view your legacy and what's next aside from family?
It was a loaded question that got more out of Lewis than the girl in the VISA commercial.
"Jesus, I'm not supposed to tell you all that," but he proceeded, "Accolades wise, I've done it. I used to sit back and marvel, rest in peace, Junior Seau and his legacy. Then I started making my own mark. I wanted to be known differently. I wanted to change men."
For now, it looks as though that is exactly what Lewis' legacy will be. A thunderous character and player on the field while being a loving and caring role model in the real wold.
Here are more quotes from today's press conference:
Q: Still got for more football games ahead?
A: Yeah I have more than four, just had to make sure I cut if off at four.
Q: Will you be playing on Sunday?
I don't think people I work with will tell me no on Sunday.
Q: How did teammates respond to the news of your retirement?
A: You know you gotta be careful with them. We're connected. Did it bother them? Probably, but they respect it.
On how he would feel when going down the tunnel in M&T Bank Stadium.
A: That moment walking down the tunnel will be for everybody who has been there from 1996 until this day.
The Ravens get set to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. This will be a historical game for the Ravens as the face of their franchise gets ready to leave and will be one packed with emotions.
