But it will never quite be the same, as Baltimoreans can attest after Johnny Unitas was unceremoniously traded to the San Diego Chargers and Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken each took the diamond for the final time. Though playing in a different era than the previous three, Lewis will join a select group very soon.
Until that day comes, however, enjoy every remaining moment as much as you possibly can.
Walking the streets of Indianapolis the week of the Super Bowl and seeing hundreds of locals wearing blue No. 18 jerseys, I couldn’t help but think at the time how none of them had the slightest idea Manning was likely playing his final game with the Colts in a 17-16 playoff loss to the New York Jets to end their 2010 season. Instead, they watched an injured Manning on the sideline last season as the inevitable marinated for months. It was a slow, painful death in the metaphorical sense.
Of course, the signs are there for Lewis’ playing career rapidly coming to an end, even if you want to ignore the fact that he’ll be 37 in May. His decline was no more evident than last season as he increasingly struggled in pass coverage and recovered from a toe injury that sidelined him for four games.
Unlike the Indianapolis fans who weren’t thinking much about Manning never taking another snap for their team 13 months ago, you can see it coming with Lewis while he continues playing — secretly hoping he can go on forever. While Manning will look for a new home to conclude his career, you can only hope Lewis won’t be wearing another team’s uniform before he walks away.
It will still be terribly difficult saying goodbye to the face of the franchise. His image symbolizes the return of NFL football to Baltimore and a rekindled spirit that followed 12 years of listless Sundays in the fall.
As much as the city might not want to picture it now, watching Lewis walk to the podium will bring much more than just a temporary lump in the throat.
And no one will quite be ready for it.
Manning's teary goodbye to Indy reminds us inevitable day for Lewis is coming
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.
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