Ray Lewis told his Ravens teammates Wednesday that he will retire following the season. The news blew up Twitter and Lewis became the top trending topic worldwide.
Ray Lewis announcing he will retire after this season: twitter.com/Ravens/status/…
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 2, 2013
According to @albertbreer Lewis "got up in meeting, talked about bond between teammates and then simply dropped the news on everyone."
— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) January 2, 2013
#Ravens set to retire his number RT @jeffzrebiecsun Said that this is last time you'll see 52 in a Ravens uniform in Baltimore."
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2013
Ray Lewis is 37 years old, in his 17th NFL season, with over 2K tackles. The defining defensive player of his era.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 2, 2013
So Sunday could be Ray Lewis' final home game with the Ravens? Nice knowing you Colts.
— Will Brinson (@willbrinson) January 2, 2013
Ray Lewis retiring. Best middle linebacker of all time.
— mike freeman (@realfreemancbs) January 2, 2013
1st Rd of 1996 @nfl Draft has 55 Pro Bowl selections. @ravens (Lewis/Ogden) alone account for 42% (23 of 55)
— Randall Liu (@RLiuNFL) January 2, 2013
Ray Lewis at The U in 1994: twitter.com/si_vault/statu…
— Andy Gray (@si_vault) January 2, 2013
Lewis won't have much free time after he retires.
GUARANTEED: Ray Lewis will be working for a network next year that broadcasts the NFL.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) January 2, 2013
Talked to half-dozen execs recently at networks that air NFL. Asked for players they were interested in. Lewis was Top 3 on everyone's list.
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) January 2, 2013
Can you imagine how awesome a wedding would be if Ray Lewis officiated?
— Pam Chvotkin (@reddusfoximus) January 2, 2013
I can only imagine what Ray Lewis' HOF speech will be like. Think the Reverend from Coming to America #GilliganOffTheIsland
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) January 2, 2013
Players (current and former) reacted with praise.
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
— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 2, 2013
All great things must come to an end GOAT!!!! RT @ravens: Ray Lewis told the team today "this will be my last ride."
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisNFL) January 2, 2013
Best Overall LBer and Leader in NFL history.. Hope he gets 1 or more games to step up on the field and do his thing.. #HOF #LEGEND #LBERIDOL
— Antonio Pierce (@AntonioPierce) January 2, 2013
Does he know u even played RT @rosstuckernfl: Ray Lewis is the best player I ever played against
— Lesean McCoy (@CutonDime25) January 2, 2013
Sad to see Ray go. One of the BEST to ever play! #muchrespect
— Bruce Carter (@BruceCarter54) January 2, 2013
Hard to listen to Ray talkin about the end! Only guy I thought would play FOREVER!!!
— Aaron Curry (@AaronCurry51) January 2, 2013
Ray Lewis definitely shaped the way I played the MLB position ...the way he inspires people is amazing! #HOF
— Robert Henson (@Mr_Henson51) January 2, 2013
Can't believe Ray hanging it up! Straight beast and someone that I've learned sooo much from! Def going to miss watching him. #respect
— Arthur Moats (@dabody52) January 2, 2013
Just heard Ray Lewis is retiring. Farewell to one of the greatest and most inspirational players of all time. You will be missed #salute
— Russell Allen (@RussellAllen50) January 2, 2013
