Ray Lewis to Retire at the End of the Season

It is always hard to see the great ones leave the game, but you have to be glad when they are actually able to do just that--walk away. That appears to be what one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game is planning on doing once the season ends for his team.

I'm talking about Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.

The man made his intentions public on Wednesday:

His value to the team is unmistakable as a motivational leader on and off the field. For years he has been someone that the Ravens could count on to make the play or at least make others believe that they were capable of doing it.

The former Super Bowl MVP will be missed. He retires as a two time Defensive Player of the Year winner and 12-time Pro Bowler; only four players have ever gone to the Pro Bowl more. In his seventeen years he led the Ravens in tackles 14 times. The only times he did not is when he lost significant time to injury.

His career is one that could have been derailed from an unfortunate night following Super Bowl XXXIV. Lewis was initially believed to have been involved in a murder following an after-party. The charges were eventually dropped after he agreed to testify against the other two defendants, but was convicted on a misdemeanor charge of obstructing justice.

He went on to lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl the following season where he earned MVP honors.

For more on Ray's career check out this video: