CLOSE

All good things come to an end.

Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis, arguably the league’s best, announced his retirement Wednesday after 17 seasons in the NFL. The collective sigh of relief from Pittsburgh Steeler fans could be felt nationwide.

Rest assured, Lewis will make it his business to get his team to the Super Bowl for one last hurrah.

But before Lewis, 37, hangs up his jersey, we compiled a list of facts you may have not known or forgotten about Lewis. Take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of his very high, highs and potentially life and career ending lows.

1-Alternate Career Options

In 1993, a then 189lb Lewis became the Florida state wrestling champion while attending Kathleen High School. Lewis, who has always been revered as one of the NFL’s most dominant LBs, sites wrestling as a key component of his football career.

2-Stats

In 17-seasons and 228 games played, Lewis has been named Defensive Player of the Year, twice, earned the title of Super Bowl MVP, was named first time All Pro seven times and went to the Pro Bowl 13 times. He’s had about 2,000 tackles and is also the only player in NFL history to have more than 40 career sacs and 30 interceptions.

Like TheUrbanDaily.com on Facebook to stay updated with the latest entertainment news and original interviews!

3-Scandal

Following Super Bowls XXXIV, Lewis and friends got into an altercation in an Atlanta night club, which resulted in the stabbing death of two  men. Lewis’ attorneys negotiated a plea agreement in which the murder charges against Lewis were dismissed in exchange for his testimony against his friends.

4-The Rebound

The next year the Ravens made it to Super Bowl XXXV, which resulted in moral outrage from Lewis’ naysayer. Fuel was added to the fire when Lewis received the Super Bowl MVP award.

MUST READ: The Best Ray Lewis Commercials.

5-Giving Back

Lewis started the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation which is a non-profit corporation that tries to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth.

6-Hometown Glory

In May 2010, a portion of Baltimore’s North Avenue was renamed “Ray Lewis Way” in honor of  number 52.

<p>Facebook Live Is Loading....</p>