Ray Lewis, the physical and emotional center of the Baltimore Ravens for 17 seasons and two Super Bowl titles, will have to tone himself down a bit for his new job-ESPN's newest NFL analyst.
ESPN announced Wednesday that the 37-year-old future Hall of Fame linebacker is joining the network to work in studio as well as travel to each Monday Night Football site to provide pregame and postgame coverage. Lewis expressed his excitement about his new role in a statement, saying "ESPN is such a big part of how fans watch and experience sports, especially the NFL, so I'm excited to join their team. I'm ready to bring the same level of passion to this next phase of my life as I brought to the field during my years as a player. I can't wait to work with my new teammates, many of whom I've already known for years."
ESPN executive vice president of production John Wildhack was very excited to have Lewis join the ESPN family. He is quoted on ESPN.com saying "Ray is a tremendous addition to our NFL roster and he will have an immediate impact on our coverage. One of the most accomplished players in NFL history, fans will be drawn to his knowledge, experience and, of course, the passion he always exudes for the game."
Lewis was drafted 26th overall out of the University of Miami in 1996 and reached 12 Pro Bowls in his career. He is a seven-time first team All-Pro, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIV. Lewis has made 2,643 tackles, recorded 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions, forced 19 fumbles and recovered 20, according to Pro-footballreference.com. He has also returned three interceptions for fumbles, but shockingly enough, never returned a fumble for a score. He is the Ravens' career leader in tackles and games played (228).
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