I love football. So. Much.
It’s not something I talk about a lot on here, because really…what could I possibly say about it? Game recaps every week? I don’t even want to read that and this is my blog. Also our season has been a little lackluster and rehashing every game might depress me a little.
I am the biggest Ravens fan that some of you probably know, but I’m not even the biggest fan that I know. I have friends that literally do not leave the house unless they are wearing some kind of purple. We have been fiercely loyal to the Ravens ever since they came to Charm City in 1996. Baltimore was a city starved for the game after getting ditched in the night by our former Colts in 1984 and the Ravens were the answer. Because of this, I think we have one of the most devoted, die-hard fan bases around. Over the years, we have often been treated like the red-headed stepchild of the NFL, which only makes me love our team more.
In the first round of the 1996 draft (or what I like to call “The Most Magical Draft Round of All Time”), the Ravens took OT and future 11x Pro Bowler Jonathan Ogden, who left the game in 2007, and a Linebacker named Ray Lewis.
1996. That was the year I graduated high school. Today I often muse that I’m “OMG SO OLD” based on that. And today Ray Lewis is still playing the game; at least one more time. Yesterday he announced his retirement. To say that I am emotional over this is an understatement. I don’t know if it’s residual hormones or what, but I’ve cried real tears over it.
But I also understand. I feel exhausted thinking about everything I’ve done with my life between high school and now and I can’t even imagine devoting those last 17 years so completely to a sport as brutal as NFL football. 13 Pro Bowls. 10 All Pro Selections. A Super Bowl (of which he was MVP). The only member of the 40 sack/30 Interception Club. Leader of one of the most formidable defenses of all time. Countless injuries, none of which seemed to keep him down for long, until the most recent torn tricep that many suspected would end his career. He was like a machine. In fact, he said so himself once in my favorite Ray Lewis miked-up quote of all time:
“You can’t hurt this! I’m a machine, jerk!”
It’s the end of an era and I think he’s doing it the right way. When you are a champion of your game, I think it’s so much better to go out on a high note than overstay your welcome and crash and burn in the end. (*cough* Favre *cough*) And as a parent myself, I couldn’t have more respect for the reason he has chosen retirement: To spend more time with his children. Yesterday he was quoted as saying, “It’s either (that or) hold onto the game and keep playing and let my kids miss out on times we can be spending together. Because I always promised my son if he got a full ride on scholarship Daddy is going to be there, I can’t miss that.” His oldest son will be following in his footsteps, playing for his alma mater, the University of Miami, in the fall.
I’m not going to hold my breath for the most epic send-off ever (in the form of a Super Bowl ring), but I have no doubt that my guys will play their hearts out this Sunday for what will be Ray’s last dance in M&T Bank Stadium. I wish I could be there to see it.
The title of this blog would probably be debatable to many, but I truly believe that he is the greatest to ever play the game. Not just because of his staggering efforts on the field, but also his unmatched ability to motivate his team members and everyone else around him and his devotion to helping others in the community. He has done so much for Baltimore. And for that we thank him.
“Let them see something they’ve never seen before.
And when something goes wrong, smile, cause there’s always a next play.”
~Ray Lewis
I totally understand your tears… I did the same when Hines announced his retirement. Hines is on my desk for Pete’s sake (mini Hines anyway). I feel you 100%. Ray is an amazing athlete and I have no doubt this is far from the last time we will hear or see of him. I’m excited he’s doing so much for his family, that is who’s done the most for him in all these years (well them and his fans). This changing of the guard is totally strange, trust me I’ve been watching it from the Pitt side. Both Pitt and Baltimore will make adjustments and while it won’t be the same battlefield it’s been all these years with players we love, we will find new players to at least fill a small bit of the holes in our hearts that Ray and Hines left behind. Like I said I’m not even a Ravens fan, but losing Ray is a sad thing. I love watching the Ravens and Steelers play head to head with the best of our best… now it’s time to figure out who those best will be with so many places on the roster changing. Here’s to 2013 – it’s going to get better, right?
Kelly @ Turned up to ELEVEN!´s last [type] ..Happy New Year!
I think its great you are so hooked into the Ravens and can use facts and details about it to back you up! I am a Pittsburgh Steelers fan among a family of Cowboy fans and I never really have the details to back up why I’m a fan. I just like them and my Grandfather liked them and that’s the end of it. I do not know the players names or what they do but I like them. hah. Good luck to your Ravens in the playoffs against the Colts! xoxo
Janette @ http://www.thejohansonjourney.com´s last [type] ..CHRISTMAS 2012 MEMORIES
I’m a Redskins fan at heart, it’s how I was raised and all the men in my family and in-law family also root for the Skins. However, being that I was raised in MD (Gaithersburg) I do also root for the Ravens (unless playing the Skins) and consider them to be my 2nd favorite team. Hopefully one of them will make it to the Super Bowl this year.
Shannon´s last [type] ..Hunters Winter OneDerland- Part 1
Wow – I came home last night and said to T-bone, “What is happening?” and his response was “Ray Lewis is retiring.” So we feel you here in Minnesota.
mommylisa´s last [type] ..My favorite Christmas Videos – You’re Welcome!
Oh and p.s. Ravens were my D in Fantasy Football this year – I won regular season, got third in our playoffs.
mommylisa´s last [type] ..My favorite Christmas Videos – You’re Welcome!
I can’t even imagine. I’m a Patriots fan (I know, I know, we did not deserve to go to the Super Bowl last year and the Ravens did, and I fully cop to that) and I don’t even like to think about the day that Tom Brady or Wes Welker retire. It will be a whole different game.
I’m so excited for the playoffs! Good luck on Sunday.
Megan B.´s last [type] ..Self-Improvement Goals (I Guess We Can Call Them Resolutions)
I’m honestly not a football fan, but I do love his quote! There’s always a next play.
Heather´s last [type] ..Looking Ahead: Happy New Year
That really is a very long career for the NFL- that game is tough. I am not really into the NFL but I am HUGE college football fan.
Emmy´s last [type] ..Proud Mommy Moments: The Hike
You were the first person I thought of when I heard the retirement announcement.
Button´s last [type] ..You Decide.
Basically, I think Ray Lewis is terrifying. I think that’s the way he should be remembered as a linebacker too
And OMG, I really want to be there. But I don’t really want to be there in the 35 degree temps. So I’m watching on TV (tickets were surprisingly affordable last time I looked though…)
It should be obvious who I’m rooting for, but if Ray gets a sack or two (without hurting my rookie) I won’t be too upset about it.
I’m not a football fan, but that photo is INTENSE!! Sorry for your loss, hope the Ravens can keep up without him.
Laura in Cancun´s last [type] ..The First Cancun Beach Day of 2013
Feel better soon dear! I’m not a football fan, but offer my sympathies. Football players really work their bodies so hopefully he enjoys retirement!
xoxo,
Chic ‘n Cheap Living
Chic ‘n Cheap Living´s last [type] ..Comment on Photo Love {Inspiration}: Being Sensual and Enjoying Life via Jennifer Lawrence in Elle December 2012 by The Dainty Dolls House