Hometown heroes--iron man version 2.0

Ray Lewis turned 37 yesterday. Arguably the greatest middle linebacker to play the game, Ray has played 16 years in the most violent professional sport in the country. As a first-ballot hall of famer and NFL icon, Ray Lewis will be cemented in league annals next to fellow legends Mike Singletary, Jack Lambert and Dick Butkus.

Singletary had the longest career of the three--12 years. Jack Lambert hung up the cleats after 11 years and Dick Butkus stepped aside after 9.

Ray's career regular season stat line--so far--is:

Games: 222
Tackles: 1,993
Sacks: 40.5
Forced Fumbles: 18
Fumble Recoveries: 18
Interceptions: 31
Interception Yards: 503
Pass Deflections: 118
Tackles for Loss: 47
Touchdowns: 3

Accolades:

• 13 Pro Bowl Selections
• Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
• MVP of Super Bowl XXXV
• Only player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions
• Voted 16th greatest player in NFL history (the only other active player on the list who was ranked higher was Peyton Manning)
• Being one terrifying mofo

And in his free time, he does stuff like this:

If you don't want to watch the whole thing, do yourself a favor and at least check out 0:34-0:41... that actually happened.

Jordan:

The fact that Lewis is still playing at such a high level is nothing short of remarkable.  You would have a hard time finding 5 NFL players better than him at his position. He may have lost a step or two but he probably hits harder now than ever, and his knowledge of the game has more than made up for a loss of some explosiveness.

Lewis has been the heart and soul of a dominant defense for over a decade; the one thing the Ravens will never be able to replace is his leadership. It is rare to find a player who has a stronger combination of physical skill, passion for the game, and ability to elevate the players around him.  He spends equally as much time in the film room as he does in the gym.

He cannot accept just being good; he must be great.  Ray slipped until 26th in the draft because "experts" said he was too small and did not have all of the necessary tools to be a great middle linebacker. He began with a chip on his shoulder and it's still there today, 16 years later.

We have no idea when the last time we see Ray come out of the tunnel and do that beautiful dance. Obviously, time is not on his side, but he's still hungry for another Super Bowl ring.  At this point, late in Ray's career, the Ravens will be able to compensate talent-wise for his loss, but they will never be able to replace his leadership and knowledge on the field.  He was truly a defensive version of Peyton Manning, pointing out the offense's assignments and formation, even before the play.

When he does hang up the cleats, Ray will go down as one of the hardest workers, greatest leaders and best players in NFL history.  He continues to defy conventional wisdom, so we may be having this same discussion next year. But for now, Ravens fans will have to just enjoy the ride until his final dance...

...To make up for that incredibly cheesy line, please enjoy Ray ruining lives below.