Bleacher Report - Ray Lewis

Of Course Ray Lewis Doesn't Think Much of Concussions

Jarrett Carter — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:15:10 -0500

Want a lightning rod response on head trauma and concussions in the NFL? Who better to ask than Ray Lewis, the guy who has dished out more than his fair share of brain injuries, and based on this statement, probably has a concussion right now.

“You’ve got to ask yourself what point in the game you’re at, what stage of the season you’re at, how big is the game? Are you really needed at that point? If you’re blowing somebody out, no [don't go back in]. If you’re fighting to go to [the Super] Bowl, then you’ve got to suck it up.

It's surprising that media savvy Lewis, who has made a public career out of controlled and well-framed bravado, would take the machismo-charged route on this issue. I can see his point, given that you only have but so many chances to win a championship. But the only people these days in favor of playing with concussions are guys who already sound like they’ve had their skulls shaken up one too many times.

You would think Lewis, of all people, would take the road most traveled on concussions. Given that he would probably win a poll of “Most likely to give somebody a concussion via football tackle,” common sense would tell you that he would have interest in protecting his hard-hitting personal brand.

I would’ve expected him to say something along the lines of “you gotta play tough, but we have families to support and lives to lead after football.” At the very least, he could’ve called it a hard decision and left it at that. Anything but alluding to a “toughen up in big games, sissy” approach.

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Why Ray Lewis is the Premier Leader in the NFL

Brittany Jacobs — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 02:54:03 -0500

Ray Lewis has played for the Ravens since 1996, he's been selected to 10 Pro Bowls, and won the NFL defensive player of the year award twice, in both 2000 and 2003.

Lewis boasts more than 1,700 career tackles and over 35 career sacks.

He's known as one of the most dominant middle linebackers in the history of the NFL.

But it's not all of these accolades that make him so important to the Baltimore Ravens.

It's the intangibles.

Ray Lewis is one of the premier leaders in the NFL, it's this intangible that drove the Raven's to bring Lewis back for another season—paying him 22 million dollars over the next three years.

If you've ever been to a Raven's game you've seen the way that Lewis interacts with both his teammates and the fans. He gets everyone riled up and fired up. He walks the line of being cocky, but never takes it too far...and has the skills to back it up.

"He has unbelievable leadership ability in the locker room, in the weight room and out on the practice field," said Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome. "He helps our young kids not just be football players, but to become professional football players. And that makes a big difference.”

As I watched the interview of Ray Lewis and Ray Rice after today's game against the Steelers (which the Ravens won 20-17 in overtime), it was clear to me why, despite his falling numbers, the Raven's continue to put faith in Ray Lewis.

Lewis speaks from the heart in such an ecstatic manner that all of those around him are inspired. He has fun, and truly seems to enjoy the company of his teammates.

He will get in teammates faces, but is just as quick to give love when they have done something well.

Ray Lewis is more than just a football player. Ray Lewis has become an emblem of all the the Baltimore Ravens want to be. A dominant force that inspires all those in the NFL.

Under Lewis' leadership the Raven's have become workhorses. Come what may...they will fight to the end.

He inspires those around him to work harder. He gets into the heads of the opposition. Ray Lewis is the ultimate leader in the NFL.

When Ray Lewis retires it is rumored that the Ravens are going to build a statue of him right next to the statue of Johnny Unitas.

That is right were he belongs: Next to the great Johnny U and standing forever in Baltimore.

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Breaking News: Ben Roethlisberger Will Not Play Vs. Ravens Due To Concussion

Matt Miselis — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:51:28 -0500

In the disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday, Pittsburgh held their breath when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger went down with a "concussion-like injury."

The entire Steelers staff, lead by head coach Mike Tomlin, wanted to observe Roethlisberger's progress, and would make a decision as to whether or not No. 7 would play.

Earlier this week, Roethlisberger was rumored to start against the Baltimore Ravens, their division rivals, on Sunday.

Many tests were taken throughout the week, making sure Roethlisberger could hold his own in a match up like this.

As of Friday, he was determined a game-time decision. But that did not last long, according to Fox Sports .

According to FOX.com, Roethlisberger will not play against their rival Sunday, in what could be the biggest game of the year.

Both the Steelers and Ravens are fighting for playoff spots, and with the blow already to Troy Polamalu, they are taking it safe by resting their quarterback this week.

Due to Charlie Batch requiring season-ending surgery earlier this week, former Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon will make his first career start.

The Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers will square off in one of the NFL's more heated rivalries Sunday Night.

Matt Miselis is an NFL writer for BleacherReport.com.

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