Even though I’m a big time New England Patriots fan,I’m gonna miss the hell out of Ray Lewis when he retires.

On Wednesday, the legendary Ravens linebacker announced that following the team’s playoff run he is calling it a career after 17 seasons with the team.

“Everything that starts has to end,” Lewis said ,”I just felt so much peace in my decision because of everything I’ve done in this league. I’ve only played the game to make my team be a better team. And now God is calling in so many other areas of life. And my children have made the ultimate sacrifice for their father. … I’ve done what I’ve wanted to do in this business.”

There are a lot of guys I enjoyed watching that didn’t play for my team. Barry Sanders is one that comes to mind,the other that comes next is Ray Lewis. He may very well be the best linebacker I have seen play.

Every time the Ravens were on television you wanted to see what 52 would do. The introductory dance, seeing him getting his team fired up for every game like it was the most important one they ever played in their lives, and seeing him play hard-nosed football for 60 minutes was incredible to watch. I even enjoyed his Madden commercials with Paul Rudd. Those were hilarious! I’m going to miss all of that as a football fan and I’d venture to say that a big piece of the identity of the Baltimore Ravens is also going to be gone once Ray Lewis has hung them up.

Many think Lewis’ retirement isn’t legit or won’t last long. I disagree. He has a laundry list of reasons why he is hanging them up, unlike other player’s we have seen retire only to come back time and time again. So for those expecting Rachel Nichols to stand on Lewis’ lawn waiting for him to unretire, for those expecting Ed Reed and a few of his Ravens teammates to talk him back into playing one more year I say this: It ain’t happening. I do,however, see Lewis maybe being a coach someday or even a motivational speaker. He’s been a damn good one in his playing days, on and off the field.

Have a great retirement, number 52!