Ray Lewis probably has one last dance to do in front of Baltimore's home crowd. (Photo: Mitch Stringer, USA TODAY Sports) Break out those No. 52 jerseys, Ravens fans, because Sunday will probably be the last time you'll see Ray Lewis patrolling the field at M&T Bank Stadium. The team announced on its Twitter feed Wednesday that the longtime face of the franchise announced to his teammates that "this will be my last ride." Lewis plans to meet with reporters later today to discuss his decision but feels, via the team, "It's time for me to create a new legacy." Few NFL legacies are more impressive. Lewis, who was a first-round pick (along with Jonathan Ogden) in the Ravens' first draft in 1996, is a 13-time Pro Bowler, seven-time first-team all pro and two-time NFL defensive player of the year. If he's not the greatest middle linebacker in league history he's on a very short list. He's the lone remaining player from the Ravens' 2000 title team, whose calling card was the Lewis-led defense. He was the MVP of the team's 34-7 win vs. the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis' 17th and final season won't go down as one of his more memorable ones. He hasn't played since tearing his right triceps Oct. 15, missing 10 games. He was activated from the club's short-term injured reserve list Dec. 26 but didn't suit up in the regular-season finale against the Cincinnati Bengals. He does plan to be in uniform Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in the wild-card round. "There is no reason for me not to be playing Sunday," he said. The only scenario that would allow for another Ravens home game this season would require them to host the Bengals in the AFC Championship Game. 
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Source : http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/ravens/2013/01/02/ray-lewis-to-retire-playoffs/1804355/