Ravens Re-sign Ray Lewis

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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is staying right where he belongs — with the only team he’s ever played for. After nearly a week of uncertainty and frustration, the team re-signed Ray to a three-year, $22 million deal today, most likely keeping him in Baltimore for the remainder of his Hall of Fame career. In a statement released by the Ravens today, Ray said:

“From beginning to end as a Raven … Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn’t happen in the NFL. The bottom line for me is that God always finishes first, and I prayed over this. Over the last six days, I took a backseat and waited to see what would happen. This is part of God’s plan, and I couldn’t be happier. For me to be here in an area that has become so important to me and my family, that’s special, very special. I don’t think an athlete can have a greater legacy than to be able to stay in one place for an entire career. I feel so fortunate that the Ravens did what they had to do to make this happen. Thank you. My heart is with the Ravens. My heart is with Baltimore and the great fans. What can I say? Here we go!”

Although I’m sure Ray wishes the Ravens would’ve offered a bigger dollar contract six days ago, he had every right to test the open NFL market for his services. After all, he’s coming off his 10th Pro Bowl season where he led the Ravens’ defense with 117 tackles. He also had 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. But what matters is how this ended — on a good note for both sides. Ray has more than earned that much as the face of this organization and one of the best linebackers to ever play the game.

Source: BaltimoreRavens.com, Photo: Newscom