Owings Mills, MD (Sports Network) - Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis announced Wednesday that he is retiring at the conclusion of the Ravens' postseason run.
Lewis told the club that "this will be my last ride."
The Ravens placed the 37-year-old star on the injured reserve-designated to return list after he tore his right triceps on Oct. 14. He returned to practice on Dec. 5 and the club moved him to the active roster later in the month, but held him out of the regular-season finale at Cincinnati.
The Ravens host the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday and Lewis said "there is no reason for me not to be playing."
A 17-year veteran, Lewis is bound for Canton after being the heart and soul of the franchise, as well as a leader of one of most consistent and ferocious defensive units.
The Miami-Florida product was the MVP of Super Bowl XXXV and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He compiled 41 1/2 sacks and 31 interceptions and was named to 13 Pro Bowls.
