The sports gods have spoken: they want Ray Lewis to keep
playing football.
Most players would take the league fines, avoid post-game
interviews, and just be ready to leave the stadium after suffering a season
ending loss, but not Peyton Manning. After his media responsibility he waited
an hour and a half after the game to personally congratulate Ray Lewis on the
Ravens victory. The moment was captured by an image that looks so simple, but
the image is truly a special moment for the NFL and all of sports.
The image of Peyton and Ray standing in the Ravens locker
room is symbol of sportsmanship, friendship, respect, a class act, and a heart
felt moment by two future hall of fame members.
It’s not easy to win on the road as the underdog and when
you’re playing Peyton Manning in 13-degree temperatures it’s even more
difficult to win.
The first quarter set the tone for an exciting gridiron
matchup that would go back and forth until the time clock expired. Ray lead the
Ravens with 17 tackles and Peyton was 38 seconds away from winning the game and
ending the playing career of Ray Lewis. But the game changed when Ravens
cornerback Corey Graham intercepted Peyton’s pass on Denver’s 45 yard line. Five plays and a gain
of 16 yards set Justin Tucker up to kick three points down the middle and give Ray
and the Ravens a 38-35 victory in two overtimes.
This game will be remembered by football fans and be a part
of history for both franchisees. It was a cold game in a hostile environment
full of fans cheers and then holding their breath. Peyton and the Broncos ended
the game disappointed while Ray and the Ravens cried tears of joy as they
celebrated one of the most important games the Baltimore Ravens have ever won.
Baltimore’s
best play all season was releasing kicker Billy Cundiff (remember last year
when he missed the 32-yarder to tie AFC Championship game against the Patriots
last year?)
Ray Lewis is a special gift to the NFL. There are a lot of
guys who prepare, train, and play hard for Sunday, but there’s no other player
in the league who plays with the passion that Ray Lewis bleeds. After 17
seasons in the NFL, the end of his playing career is close to an end for Ray
Lewis and the Baltimore Ravens. As a fan of football I’m rooting for Ray to take
revenge on the Patriots and win the AFC Championship and then one last win in
the Super Bowl to end his playing career like the champion he is.
I’m hoping for a Harbaugh (Ravens) vs. Harbough (49er’s)
Super Bowl. And with Ray Lewis on the field for the Ravens and Billy Cundiff
now kicking for San Fran, all my faith is in the Ray-vens!
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