Ray Lewis, ESPN Announce Linebacker's Next Move
Ray Lewis and ESPN networks have officially announced plans for the retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker's career after he helped his team win the Super Bowl XLVII.
Lewis, 37, will work as an analyst on ESPN, the network announced Wednesday. The former Raven will appear on Monday Night Countdown, Sunday NFL Countdown, SportsCenter and ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike in the Morning each week.
ESPN network released a statement about the excitement surrounding Lewis' addition to the network.
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"Ray is a tremendous addition to our NFL roster and he will have an immediate impact on our coverage," John Wildhack, ESPN executive vice president, said. "One of the most accomplished players in NFL history, fans will be drawn to his knowledge, experience and, of course, the passion he always exudes for the game."
Lewis seemed equally excited to join the coveted sports network.
"ESPN is such a big part of how fans watch and experience sports, especially the NFL, so I'm excited to join their team," Lewis said in an ESPN report. "I'm ready to bring the same level of passion to this next phase of my life as I brought to the field during my years as a player. I can't wait to work with my new teammates, many of whom I've already known for years."
Earlier this year, the Christian linebacker revealed that he feels God called for him to retire from the NFL at the close of the 2012-2013 season.
"God is calling. My children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father for 17 years," Lewis said in a press conference. "I don't want to see them do that no more. I've done what I wanted to do in this business, and now it's my turn to give them something back.''
Lewis has two sons who play for a high school football team and one that will become a freshman at the University of Miami next year. The NFL player said he had to make a choice between continuing his career or missing out on watching his children begin their football experiences.
''It's either [that or] hold onto the game and keep playing and let my kids miss out on times we can be spending together,'' Lewis told the press. ''Because I always promised my son if he got a full ride on scholarship Daddy is going to be there. I can't miss that.''
