Baltimore Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis announced on Wednesday that he plans to retire from the NFL after the completion of the 2013 NFL Playoffs.
Ray Lewis retires: Ravens’ players react to news
Members of the Baltimore Ravens respond to the announcement from Ray Lewis that he plans to retire following the completion of the 2013 NFL playoffs.
Longform: Ray Lewis, the influence of an athlete
The 37-year-old has spent the entirety of his career with the Ravens, which begin in 1996 when the team selected him with the No. 26 overall selection in the NFL Draft. In the eyes of many, Lewis is one of the key figures in establishing the Ravens in Baltimore after the team relocated from Cleveland.
On Wednesday afternoon, several of his teammates echoed that sentiment when responding to Lewis' announcement, specifically running back Ray Rice, via the Ravens' official twitter page:
Baltimore is Ray Lewis.
Wide receiver Torrey Smith expressed what it was like to play with Lews, via his twitter feed:
Had to watch Big Ray announce his retirement...it has been amazing to play with him...We need to take care of business for him and our city
Fellow linebacker Terrell Suggs explained that it was a bitter-sweet moment:
It’s amazing and it’s sad all at the same time.
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