“It hits me definitely that I’m blessed,” Lewis said. “It’s just being blessed that I’ve been able to maintain through my injuries and through the ups and downs of this game. I think it’s a credit to my work ethic and just everything that I bought into over the years. Every year, I’m always trying to change; I’m always trying to come back better for my team.”
Only time will tell whether the lighter weight will bear fruits in 2012.
We’ve speculated about the end of his career for the last three or four years, but Lewis is focused solely on helping the Ravens get one step further than they did a year ago.
He says retirement isn’t on his mind, even if it’s all anyone else can think about while savoring the final act — however long it still might last — of his career.
“Whenever it happens, hopefully I am walking and still doing the things that I am doing [now],” Lewis said. “But I love the game too much, and I have a great connection to Baltimore. As long as I am playing and my body feels great, then I’ll keep doing it.”
Visit the BuyAToyota.com Audio Vault to hear more from Ray Lewis HERE.
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
Podcast Audio Vault
Right Now in Baltimore
Twelve Ravens Thoughts following Week 16 win over Pittsburgh
Marlon Humphrey provided the cathartic moment that slammed the door as Baltimore beat the Steelers for just the second time in the last 10 meetings.
Ravens finish strong for 34-17 win over Pittsburgh to pull even in AFC North
Lamar Jackson threw three touchdowns and Derrick Henry rushed for 162 yards, but Marlon Humphrey's pick-6 allowed Baltimore to pull away.
ColumnNes: Big plays, big hits and Ravens showed no quit against Steelers
The Ravens talked all week about being locked in, and in the end, they were. Creating turnovers. And even landing on your own fumbles. It all matters this time of year. Turnovers turn over games. The Steelers made too many…