Final Curtain Call for Ray Lewis
This year's super bowl is one for the first time in a long time that I'm really not too interested in. Baltimore vs San Francisco. As a Panthers homer and follower of my favorite player in the league, Peyton Manning, I have no dog in this fight whatsoever. I honestly could NOT care less who wins this and much like the BCS title game, I'm mainly just hoping its a good, enjoyable game. And on that note, I pray its much better than the BCS title game proved to be. But if I had to pick someone to pull for tonight, hands down it would be Baltimore. I've never really been a fan of Ray Lewis but as a football fan, I respect him and his style of play. He is a legend and it'd be cool to see him go out on top.
Some people are pulling against Baltimore for the same reason I'm pulling for them and I can understand why 100%. Lewis is one of those guys you either love or hate. He has been turning heads since his days at "The U" down in Miami and his off the field life is far from spotless. From being charged with murdering two men in 2000 to being the father of six children to four different women, people haven't had to look hard to find something negative to say about Ray Lewis. However, on the field he has terrorized offenses for years and tonight he will try to do it one last time. Many thought we had seen the last of Lewis when he tore his triceps early in the season but Lewis recovered enough to return and currently is the leader in tackles during the playoffs. Talk about heart and determination. Not sure how much he has left in the tank, but trust you will get 150% from #52 tonight. And as the leader and face of this franchise, you can bet he will make sure he gets the absolute best from his teammates tonight as well.
If anyone knows how to get someone fired up and inspired to play football and go knock someone on their back, its Ray Lewis. I can't imagine the intensity and emotion that will pour out and fill the locker room during his pre-game speech. To be honest, I'd be a little intimidated to be in there with him. Win, lose or draw, I'm looking forward to seeing Lewis do his last dance at midfield once the final whistle blows. Hopefully, for the Ravens and his sake, it will be celebrating a Super Bowl victory. And whether you love him or late him, if you are watching the game tonight, I'm willing to bet you'll be keeping your eyes on #52. Hats off to a legend as he prepares to take the field one last time! 