A career retrospective of one of the greatest defensive players ever, Ray Lewis.
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How Good Was Ray Lewis Actually?
How good was Ray Lewis? Yes.
Awesome. For this video 📹, they should have NFL retired players speaking about playing with and against Ray.
@@gitbint yeah I love those kind of videos of ex nba starts
id give this one more like but i wanna keep it evil
He IS the best to ever do it
Lol
Even though he has been retired for almost 10 years he still has the highest selling Ravens Jersey. That shows how beloved he is by the City of Baltimore. He is to the Ravens what Cal Ripken is to the Orioles.
He is to the ravens is to what Jordan is to Chicago
@@davidbeckwith9136 Agreed.
@@davidbeckwith9136 facts
Wow it’s so crazy it’s almost been 10 years since he retired.
The buckhead slasher is what we call him in ATL 😭😭😭
That 2012 season was so great. The Ravens beat Big Ben, Peyton, and Tom that year. All these rival/nemesis QBs fell to Baltimore that year.
That 4th and forever they converted to beat Rivers and the Chargers also to save the season, was IMO the spark they used to go on that insane run
@@abyssalgodsword "hey diddle diddle, ray rice up the middle"
Ben missed both raven games that year. batch beat us at home on a last second fg and we beat them up there cuz if a Jacoby punt return but I don't think Ben played either game if I'm not mistaken.
and my seahawks came out of poverty franchise status 😂
Hey diddle diddle ray rice up the middle made u think they was gon win the super bowl that year💯
I’m from Baltimore. I assume there’s a few of us here in the comments. But idk if people truly know how much this city loved this man. I was living in a shelter in 2006 when his charity allowed me to meet and shake hands with him. It’s part of the reason I got into football, played football and now can share it with my step kids. I’m a Cowboys fan. But thanks Ray. You taught me how to shake a man’s hand. Something my father wasn’t there to do. God bless another football life.
Cool story but how the fuck u gunna be a cowboys fan after that
"You taught me how to shake a man’s hand. Something my father wasn’t there to do. " What an awesome take-away thanks for sharing.
Man, I remember when the team first came to Baltimore and how excited were back in 96. I was still high school when it happened. When I was in the 11th grade in 97 Ray's jersey was everywhere.
You ruined a great heart felt moment by saying you're a Cowboys fan
@@user-wx1br9jp6uWhat’s wrong, puny Eagles fans 😂
His pregame speeches were insane it got me wanting to play with the ravens even if I’m not at the stadium
Hell yeah the intro to madden 13 I believe it was with his speech is iconic
As a cowboys fan it made ME want to play for the ravens lol
“Bikini milf mom 55”
lol thats probably the only thing i didnt like about ray lewis. i couldnt stand those guys that felt the need to do all that hollering and shit before games. i dont need some other dude screaming shit to get me hype. and the dudes that it got hype, were sitting on the bench anyway. still second best lb ever after Lawrence taylor.
Postgame
He’s the leader of the Ravens flock. He is forever a Raven.
yessirrr
Personally I like Reed more but they’re a package deal
It would be a murder, “a murder of ravens”.. not a flock. And sounds cooler.. 😂
He was amazing!
@@raffyc66........ba dum tsss
It’s actually weird to not see this man play anymore.
One of those guys you pictured playing for the rest of time for some reason
It's weird to realize he's been retired 10 years, feels like just yesterday he was terrorizing QB's with Sizzle and Reed
He still looks like he could play.
It was truly a blessing watching Ray Lewis and Ed Reed play. My 2 favorite players ever on the same team.
I’ll always love the ravens until I die because of the passion from Ray Lewis and the loyalty and I’ll always get the chills and wanna run through a wall whenever I watch videos about Ray Lewis
That's because you have small meat energy
He did beat his wife's ass so, there's that...
@@cerealkilla378 ok? And? Did that make him a worse player? Nah right
@@elmergarcia8724 no...it does kind of tarnish his image tho.
@@cerealkilla378 Big Ben also has some charges under his belt too. Who gives a fuck.
I had no idea the 2000 defense was THAT dominant. I knew they were top 5 all time, but the excuse was always a cupcake qb schedule. I have never heard anyone bring up they are the only team ever to keep below 1k rushing yards on the season
Wild I agree
Then you probably were a toddler back in the 2000. If you can admit it. Cause if you were there at that present time you would have seen how difficult it was for them to even score points. The defence had to carry them like a mother caring for a newborn.
Yeah no. The 00’ ravens were the greats of all time. Least rushing yards allowed in a season, least points allowed in both 16 games and 20 games depending on if you wanna include playoffs or not. Monstrous on the turnover battle. Theres just never been another defense that really is even in the same level of close, because the other common contenders (85’ bears, Steel Curtain, 02’ bucs) were all paired with good to average offenses that could give the defense time to rest and score points
@@LuxusCharka Bucs had zero offense I would say ravens were better
@@justthisguy1948 bucs offense was the worst out of the other ones but still better then the ravens had. See the whole going 2-3 despite 5 straight games of no offense in the end zone.
How good was Ray Lewis? He was essentially a quarterback on defense and an elite hall of fame top ten football player of all time. All of which is an understatement
One of the best defensive players ever, players in general even
On of the top ten linebackers. Not players. Dude wasn't even the best player on his team. Ed Reed was. Lewis wasn't breaking records. Lewis wasn't redefining a position. Lewis was overrated as hell because of the people around him. Chiefs vs. Ravens showed that when they had an old Will Shield and Willie Roaf and just ran at him all game.
@@Arccanos Stats don't tell everything - if you wanna talk about impact and boosting a team, Ray Lewis is where its at. Although Ed Reed is also a freakin' beast, best safety all time IMO Ray Lewis is one of two (2) players to have both 30 sacks and 30 picks in their career, the other being Rodney Harrison.
@@Arccanos you can’t be serious I don’t even know where to begin my response. So I won’t.
@@Arccanos Every player relies on the people around them. That’s how football works. You could cherry pick games where Brady or Manning threw it all over the yard and blame Ed Reed by default too lol. Lewis did break records and redefine the position…
I remember being in elementary school I was a Manning fan, my best friend was a Baltimore fan & eventually I found myself doing Ray’s dance at recess if I made a stop & shouting “Ray Lewis” proudly! I would go on to collect Lewis, Suggs, & Reed cards etc. There was no denying Ray’s greatness on the field. 💪
As a Bengals fan.....this man haunted our dreams for years, much respect goat linebacker
Goat Linebacker 😂😂😂 guess you never heard of Lawrence Taylor
Respect
@@Tacofiend92 did you not watch the video?
@@TechDove I watched it ray Lewis Couldn’t hold Lawrence Taylor’s jock
Lawrence Taylor is better. But Ray Lewis is second or third
It’s actually insane to think about how young the ravens franchise is and found success pretty quickly.
that's only because they were the Browns, reskinned....
And the browns made the playoffs 3 years earlier before they won the super bowl as the Ravens in 2000. The foundation was already there built by belchick and had some of the best coaches on the roster Nick Saban,Brian billick plus bill belchick and a few other coaches who went on to have great success as coaches in the NFL and college.
I remember that 2000 year. Usually fans root for the offense to come out but I was more excited to see the defense. They were spectacular. Still remember they were down 14-0 to the Jets in one the last games of the season and came back and put 30+ on them. The Stadium was shaking, it was that loud.
I rememeber that one!! Vs Vinnie Tastaverde
@@TheeOC yep 😁
I was there!!!
@@alexbarianos5472 yes!
I've always been more defense oriented. Ray Lewis and Kam Chancellor are my all time favorite players
I remember that 5 week td-less season. A bar owner, in Baltimore, camped out on the roof of his bar, and said he wasn't coming down until the Ravens scored a td. And he did it.
I forget his name but he went by Goof On The Roof! They talked about it in that 30 for 30 special and he even received an award! 😂
The face of the franchise for the ravens
We ravens fans still remember his hits.
@@oakonion8860 yeah even the hits at the club
@@ThePrinceofallsayain 😂😂😂
Alongside Ed Reed.
Face of the Ravens for sure
Ray Lewis started the "Play Like A Raven" montra in Baltimore. Even to this day, with Lamar Jackson being the QB and doing the amazing things he does, Ray will still ALWAYS be the face of the Ravens
*mantra
Greatest MLB to ever grace the field. His physicality, leadership and intensity only rivals #56 LT
LT played 13 years. Ray Lewis played 17 seasons.
4 more years is crazy
4:40 most people just can't comprehend how amazing this was. It's the best ever. It's not even a discussion. They went the month of October without their offense scoring a touchdown, and won most of those games.
Makes me want to watch the entire 2000 Ravens season
2 is not most of 5
Most people just can’t comprehend how 2 is most of 5
Growing up a Steelers fan, I hated seeing him line up across from Ben twice or three times a year. Dude was a problem always, and helped birth the greatest current rivalry in the NFL, much respect.
Ya, the Ravens and Steelers had some AMAZING hof players during the 2000's. My friend was a Steelers fan and I was a Ravens fan and man was that fun.
the crazy thing is yall had Troy when we had Ed and you had James Harrison when we had Ray kinda crazy
@@Mundanesoup4 THE CRAZY THING IS THE COWBOYS PASSED ON BOTH TROY AND ED... WE COULD HAVE HAD BOTH...
The Black and Purple street fight in the AFC North
@@Mundanesoup4 ravens passed on James Harrison, imagine ray and him🤯
I'm a die hard Chiefs fan and this dude is my favorite player ever in the position. He lit dudes up over the middle for 17 years.
Had to fight back tears watching this. Thank you for the video. Absolutely enjoyed it! 👍🏽
I'm a Seahawks fan but the older I've become I've learned to also love players for what they do. I love Ray Lewis for not only his play but how he helps younger players and kids in the community. Ray is just an amazing guy.
This is hard for me to say as a Steelers fan and how much we love LBS … He was the absolute best inside lb ever period….
Ray Lewis is a legend. He will never be forgotten. He is a real leader. Thank you very much for the interesting video!
Steelers fan checking in to make sure that they gave him the respect he deserves, total beast. I love the true rivalry, being the reason I like the ravens more than the browns and the bungals. Always in for a good game when the Steelers and ravens match up. Exited to see one more dance with Big Ben this weekend. Before you guys start to most likely dominate us.
Nah man none of that talk even on a Ray Lewis video. It will always be a good close game considering we have the blueprint to stop Lamar.
@@FANTOllVll no the Steelers don’t
My thoughts exactly. Ravens get dapped up. The other two in our division? I just look at their hand as they extend it. Then give them the upwards man not. "Get some jewelry on that hand. Then we can talk."
He has the most tackles in nfl history…the person in second place is more than 200 tackles behind him and is already retired. He’s the greatest mlb to ever play the game.
London flecther is behind him by 20 not 200 Lewis has 2059 flecther has 2039. Do the math...don't just check from one source..I saw only one source that said was different than the rest. All the other sources says 2059-2039. Only the one you saw has different
@@reginaldwilliams6241 ray Lewis has 1,568 solo tackles. London fletcher has 1,384 solo tackles. Maybe not 200 but wayyyy more than 20 You absolute bozo. Go do your own math and sit down quietly while the adults talk. You’re an embarrassment to all mankind
@@reginaldwilliams6241 I bet Lewis played at least 30 less games n still has more tackles. FACT
44 games missed to be exact 😂😂😂😂
@@stevobraden6205 your looking at solo tackles were talking all tackles totaled up..which makes Ray Lewis ahead by 20 ..your welcome
I remember that hit on the thumbnail as a jets fan 😭😭 Sanchez threw Dustin keller a shallow cross and ray ray was just in the perfect position and didnt have to move much, he just squared up and lowered the boom on em and good up screaming woooooo like ric flair 😆😆😆Dustin keller didnt play for couple games after.that hit
I LOVED watching him play. Especially against the colts. The absolute gamesmanship between him and Manning was a sight to behold
The tackle he made on that 4th down play against the chargers is one of my favorite plays of all time. Typical Lewis read the linemen and blow through the hole to make a solid tackle in the backfield to end the game.
Yes! That was so sick haha. Shut the door on them real quick.
Ravens fan since day 1 and old enough to watch the ravens come to the baltimore. Ray Lewis was everything as a leader and a linebacker.
I could write a book and how positively and fearlessly this man has affected my life. Too many words for a comment section. And for going through being afraid at every step of this harsh and brutal life. Greatly because of Ray Lewis speech’s and Journey through the NFL and getting to watch him play. I’m stronger in every way a man needs and is expected to be. To that Thanks Ray 🍻!
I’ll never forget ray hitting Chad Johnson making his helmet fly 15 yards back. . They had to stop the game
They called it a bad hit even though it was clean.
When i was starting to watch Football from Germany, First watched the SB against the 49ers so i dont know this men before. But after that normal Game for me i Had the pre Game Dance over a year as Desktop Pictures and Love to watch His career after that one. And now i am Happy to See that historical Game as my First to See that Legend win his Second one, Legend, Hall of Famer. Love him and No i am Not a Ravens Fan!
Greatest raven ever greatest middle linebacker ever
"How good was Ray Lewis actually?" The best. He was the best. Butkus and Lambert are undeniable legends, but Lewis stands alone at the top
I think Lawrence Taylor was better, but not by much.
Not only the best the smartest to ever play the position on madden says awareness a 99 nah man reys would of been a 199
BEST Mike Linebacker of all time. Built the Bank to what it is now. Forever the leader of the old Flock, and single handily the most important player in Baltimore sports
Middle
@@nickyoder16 that’s what Mike stands for you rock
Still gives me chills. He dominated in every metric, and even in heart which how do you measure it...
Ray Lewis a true legend
He definitely learned from his time in court where he almost went away for life. He changed from just a guy to the leader everyone remembers him being. Ray Lewis was definitely one of a kind.
I remember watching him as a kid in the early 2000s and just being shocked that he was literally around the ball every single play. He was never out of position and I don't think I ever saw him miss a tackle.
UK nfl fan here - never gave nfl much thought until I saw an interview by ray lewis that got me interested. Saw videos on KZhead and was hooked! Been a raven fan ever since 2010…legend
As a Steelers fan here I LOVED Ray Lewis....that rivalry will always be the best
This dude was a monster on the football field! I still remember that 2012 playoff game against the Broncos, everybody going against the Ravens and they still managed to come back and win the game in overtime.
@Bob LawBlah. Oh really?? Give me a link that backs that up.
@@gsactotube bro you weird
@@gsactotube is that true?
@@gsactotube LMAO! You just made that stomping bit up. Never happened
@@gsactotube wtf is wrong with you? Lewis was a respectful god fearing man
Ray murdered it both on and off the field
BOIIIIIII 😂😂😂
Yea how did he beat that case?
@@ayo9057 plea deal
both block shedding and responsibility shedding were elite
@@ayo9057 he threw the other guys involved under the bus and plea dealed
This is a great video and very well done. Thank you for making it.
Oh my goodness, i can’t hear Ray Lewis’s name without getting goosebumps 🪿 Haven’t seen a more dominant defensive player since. Period
Met him in person a few times. Truly gracious, kind, and humble.
Ray was a straight up killer……. on the field.
@@tfromcali89 it was ruled self defense
@@tfromcali89 it’s a pretty good joke
@@tfromcali89 well….he was in a bar fight that resulted in a stabbing
What happened to the white suit Ray?
Fucking classic
You used to see it in hockey alot, like Rod Gilbert and the NY Rangers; occasionally in baseball. But in modern football you don't see a guy passing up the big bucks and gimme championship for TEAM AND CITY LOYALTY. Ray is a throwback to the old school. A balls to the wall true grit kind of guy
Since I was a kid witnessing him play! Never been more excited when I saw him play!
Ravens then: dominant defensive team with a will to play Ravens now: Greg Roman go brrrrr
Insane how the Ravens were able to get a Lombardi in their first 4 years of existence…built possibly the best defense ever in 4 seasons lol
Just one guy. A middle linebacker, had so much impact on the game. Killah
I work and study in Baltimore and we still know him as a legend
9:00 no one who wasn't a Ravens fan that year can describe what a magical feeling that year was. Nothing will ever top it. It was like.... divine.
@@gsactotube you sound like an eye witness who has been praying for justice to served
As soon he announced he was retiring I knew it was over. I put money on them winning it all after that announcement. There was absolutely no way in hell they weren't gonna win it all. There was no way he wasn't gonna do everything possible but even more there was no way in hell that team wasn't gonna send him home a winner. One of the extremely few times in my life I knew with 100% certainty who was gonna win it all.
Hes by far the greatest Middle Linebacker to ever play. Could he cover some ground in the middle of the field. The closest thing I saw to him was maybe a prime Patrick Willis. Bit that's more of a run stopping side line to sideline comparison than anything else. Lewis may be the best defensive player to ever play. I'm a Minnesota Vikings fan, but I'd have to say he is the best defender ever.
bullshit
@@kylepalmer8730 Not bullshit it’s pretty much a landslide. No other defensive player was as important to a franchise as Ray.
Agree but as far as dbs? Ronnie Lott played in Ray's style take no prisoners. Ronnie played both the run and pass in spectacular fashion.
Skoal baby!!! This our year in our division! Eskitit
@@tyronelovick8421 it better be. I still think we made a mistake not hiring Harbaugh. I hope KOC proves me wrong. If Zadarius can get back to his form from 2 years ago and both him and Daniel stay healthy this year then our defense will be a serious problem for any one. The last time Hunter and Zadarius were both healthy for a full season they were 1st and 2md in QB pressures in the NFL. I really wa t to see what Irv Smith can do to. Hopefully he's ready to go week 1. I also think we should start using Kene Nwangou the sake way the Falcons use Cordarrelle or the 49ers used Debo. We have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and should be one of the 4 best teams in the NFC. SKOAL !!!!!!!!!
Would love to see one of these on Steve young. To this day still my fav QB all time.
Not even a ravens fan but I love watching ray hit stick players. Dude was a monster
RAY LEWIS IS THE ONLY REASON WHY A GUY FROM HAWAII LOVES THE BALTIMORE RAVENS
Dude was a killer. What a beast!
You got that right... in Atlanta.
One of my favorite players ever. Absolute beast.
It’s not often you can say that you’re excited to see defence but Ray and his Ravens were the exception to that. That unit in 2000 didn’t simply stifle offences as other good defences do, it dismantled them. Good offences that not only were going 3-and-out repeatedly, but often losing yards in the process. Brutal and brilliant.
Thanks for taking a stab at this. Really killed it.
Outta pocket 😂
Best comment.
Siri, show me Patrick Willis if he was a piece of shit
😂
I c wot u did Dere 😉
Even someone who doesn’t like the ravens has to admit that ray leeis is a beast and amazing
I don't like the Ravens or The Steelers but give me Jack Lambert any day
@@trevmac8362 not a steelers fan yet you on this video trashing Ray by constantly bringing up Lambert. Also you have comment on Steelers vids praising steelers playerlol
Ray Was the guy that made me love defense and the Ravens.
Pats fan here. Ray is my favorite linebacker of all time and going to battle against that defense in its prime was some of the best football I’ve ever watched. I loved that old rivalry.
He was so good, he beat the rap
Innocent until proven guilty… except when its a nigga
He murdered the opposition.
10 years later he is STILL the heart and soul of that team. I see the purple and black pants and still think Ray Lewis.I can't describe it.
I saw him play many times in person. And it was some of the most electrifying football I’ve ever seen.
Watching this before our game against the rams today. What a great era to grow up watching the ravens! Or I guess the only era since they were convinced in 96 lol
Conceived* totally not being a grammar Nazi. Just helping out haha
Greatest middle linebacker of all time but second greatest linebacker of all time next Lawrence Taylor cuz they both were scary and they love to hit people
Still get goosebumps from even thinking about it that Denver game in the playoffs 😩
The 2000 ravens defense was insane. Hands down the greatest defense to ever play. Watching that defense play was beautiful. There will never be a linebacker in the league like Ray Lewis.
Do Patrick Willis next
2:30 Two literal GOATs in a row lmao. One single round. The first of the franchises history. Amazing man
I will never forget watching Ray and Ed play together it was a thrill each and every week.
Even as a lifer Steelers fan, I have to give it up for Ray. Where I would have loved to have him on out team. Ray being on the Ravens, along the likes of Reed and Suggs, Made that era one of the best rivalries between Ravens, and Steelers the best in sports. Man those games were always intense.
The best defensive player of all time. Won 2 super bowls and never had a legit offense. Even in his late 30s, was near the ball every down.
what a legend
Simply the greatest linebacker ever to play the game. He defined the position, and he motivated/elevated every player on the field with him. No linebacker has ever been as influential to his team than Ray Lewis was to the Ravens.
There was one man in the NFL who didn't fear getting hit by Ray Lewis. It was so awesome to see. To see the hardest hitting player in the NFL going up against the hardest person to hit in the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Jerome Bettis the Bus 🚌 #36. This was a clash of titans. And even Ray Lewis said himself this was the hardest guy he had to tackle. And Jerome Bettis when he saw him He didn't try to avoid him he took him head on.
No Eddie George didn’t fear Ray 💯
God bless you guys Always keep God first
They weren't the upstart Ravens. That team was relocated to Baltimore after spending decades in Cleveland under the name "Browns".
Whats the difference
Baltimore lost their entire franchise and history to Indy. At least Cleveland got to keep their colors, name, and history.
Lmfao
Thank that asshole owner for that. '64 Browns tough as they come.
Even though the Niners lost that game, gotta admit, Ray was GREAT! Wish he was on my team. Forever a great Raven!
Favorite player ever, I haven’t followed the nfl since he retired. Polk County Legend 👑💪🏾
Best MLB to ever Play the game!
Not my favorite Linebacker but he is one of the best
The freakin best LB ever and I’m a Chicago guy. We had a lot of em. Ray was amazing
As a ravens fan born and raised I was fortunate enough to remember the last few years of his career it may not have been his prime but I got to see him go out with a ring
Imagine being lined up against him in his prime? Terrifying!
After the power outage sf came out surging haha I see what u did there
You cant overstate how much of a leader he was. The year he came into the league was the same year the ravens formed, the team that turned into the ravens had the 3rd worst record in the league. Ray lewis came into the league as a rookie and successfully reorganized the team's defense. In 1996 ravens allowed 441 points, the next year they cut that down to 345. He was a sweetheart that looked after his teammates and despite always being the best player by far, he never allowed individual accolades to overshadow teamwork. When he decided to stay with the ravens, he stayed because he realized that his leadership was the difference between a struggling team and a championship contender. He chose to stay with the team he built up from scratch and won another Super Bowl because of it.
I remember in 95 I wasn't much of a Football Fan so I didn't follow any team and living in Southern Delaware and the Ravens came along I decided to make them my Team because all my Buddies had Teams and would go to the Bar on Sundays to watch the Game . I remember watching the Preseasons first game and Ray jumped off the screen to me I always was a Fan of defense and I loved MLB my favorite player to that point was Mike Singletary and that quickly changed the minute I saw Ray . I went the next weekend bought his Jersey which I still own and that was it . Ray meant everything to Our Team and embodied the passion we all have for the Franchise all I can say is Thank you Ray you were and still are the Greatest 👿😈👿😈👿😈
He is the reason the Ravens have been my team since '99
Ray Lewis is one of the greatest defensive players of all time..sadly a lot of ppl look at him at as a murderer .
Ray was the ringleader of a murderous gang. He would have fired his bodyguards had they not stabbed those two men. Basically, it's called conspiracy to commit murder. Ray did not stab anyone.
Chill out just chill bruh been made amends for that bs
@@kingchi4925 he forgave himself right lmao
@@tylerm7300 lol aye bruh turned to the lord and never looked back
@@tarico4436 charles manson defense? lol .more like i good at da football so i no get in twubble nyuck nyuck.
I'm from Baltimore and I'll tell you he is more than a football player he is an inspiration to everyone here of what it means to work hard and give your all. He speaks like a preacher but hits like Bobby Boucher.
This channel is amazing