The NFL is about to lose one of its most colorful players.
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis announced today that “it is time for me to create a new legacy” and end an incredible career after 17 seasons.
Lewis plans to suit up this Sunday in Baltimore when the Ravens face the Bengals in a first-round playoff matchup, marking his first action since tearing his triceps two months ago.
“I talked to my team today,” Lewis said, according to ESPN. “I talked to them about life in general. And everything that starts has an end. For me, today, I told my team that this will be my last ride.”
Lewis has been voted to 13 Pro Bowls and been named first-team All-Pro seven times. He’s also been honored at the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in two occasions.
The 37-year old says he wants to spend more time with his two children, one of whim will be a freshman this fall at the University of Miami.
“God is calling. My children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father for 17 years. I don’t want to see them do that no more. I’ve done what I wanted to do in this business, and now it’s my turn to give them something back.”