Ray Lewis Roundtable: What he meant to the Ravens

As the legendary linebacker prepares for his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we reflect on his contributions to the Baltimore Ravens franchise:

Vasilis Lericos

The Ravens did not erect a statue of Ray Lewis because he was a 13-time Pro Bowler, 10-time All-Pro, two-time defensive MVP or two-time Super Bowl champion. They honored him because he instilled a culture, an identity, that continues to define the franchise.

From the moment he was drafted to a newborn team, ‘The General’ devoted his athletic gifts, work ethic and profound leadership to the Ravens. Lewis breathed life into a city that went without professional football for my entire childhood. As a high schooler, I lived…