Staff Writer
On
Sunday, October 14, Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis suffered a
full tear on his right triceps. This was an enormous blow to a Ravens defense
that was already struggling. In weeks five and six, the Baltimore defensive
unit conceded over 200 yards of rushing, the first time in consecutive games in
their franchise’s history. Lewis is not only a dominant presence on the field
but also a symbol and a leader to everyone around him. The 37-year-old veteran
prides himself to deliver the same passion and intensity on a week-to-week
basis. ESPN analyst and former quarterback Trent Dilfer said, “[Lewis] is a thermostat leader, not a thermometer. He does not react to the
environment he’s in. He changes every environment he’s in.”
What
we know for sure is that the 12-time Pro-Bowler will be sidelined for the rest
of the Raven’s 2012 campaign. What still remains unclear is the middle
linebacker’s status for the 2013 season and the remainder of his career.
Everyone wants to know one thing – has the Hall of Fame-bound Lewis played his
last game in his eminent career? Only one person knows how he is feeling right
now and that is himself. Lewis had a successful surgery, but typically this
type of injury takes four to six months for recovery. It is impossible to tell
if he will hang up the cleats forever. The city of Baltimore needs this guy,
and it would be a shame if he forgoes an 18th season and retires.
“He is the
Baltimore Ravens. He’s their franchise,” said Pittsburgh Steelers legendary
wide receiver Hines Ward. Lewis means so much to the franchise who drafted him
as their first ever pick in 1996. It is already evident that his absence creates
a void as they lost brutally to the Houston Texans on October 21, 43-13. This
is precisely why it is imperative that Lewis makes a triumphant return for one
last hoorah next season. No army is good without their general; likewise, the
Ravens aren’t at optimal performance without Lewis.
He has much to consider though. Lewis has a son enrolled at
his alma mater, The University of Miami, and was eager to watch him play next
year. Also, the aging veteran has a superfluity of wear and tear on his body,
which will make a potential return difficult. This being said, the Ravens are a
very good football team and Lewis was excited about the thought of earning a
second Super Bowl ring this season. He needs to make a glorious comeback.
Another ring would cement his legacy as the greatest defensive player to ever
put on a pair of pads. Lewis has been craving another shot at the Lombardi
Trophy for 12 years now. He should buckle up his chinstrap one last time next
year. It is sad to think that one of the most feared and dominant linebackers
in the history of the game could go out on an injury.
Ray Lewis has made numerous pump-up speeches and made more
plays on the field than can be counted. He is the soul of Baltimore, but his
legacy seems to be missing one more finishing touch. Another Super Bowl ring
would be the ultimate stamp on a hall-of-fame career.
