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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will talk about anything regarding the team — except his contract situation.
The nine-time Pro Bowl selection is in the final year of a seven-year, $50 million contract he signed in 2002. He’s coming off a season in which he led the Ravens and was 12th in the NFL with 120 tackles to go along with two sacks, two interceptions and a touchdown. Still, it is unclear if the Ravens will sign him to a new deal.
“I’m going to keep talking about football,” Lewis, who turns 33 on Thursday, said. “That’s irrelevant for what we’re trying to do right now. We’re trying to stay as a team and if we keep that team concept there then the team concept stays there. So, if you go out talking about an individual — what I want to do, what I want to do — it means nothing.”
Lewis isn’t ready to slow down as he enters his 13th season in he NFL. The 6-foot-1, 245-pounder displayed the same energy and enthusiasm during the Ravens’ mandatory mini-camp, which ended Sunday, as he did when he arrived from the University of Miami (Fla.) after he was selected with the 26th pick in the 1996 draft.
Lewis understands his chances to get back to the Super Bowl are dwindling, but he appears ready to work with first-year coach John Harbaugh to make the Ravens contenders a year after going 5-11.
“[With] John, you have a new personality, we have a totally new coaching staff and we have a lot of new players coming in,” Lewis said. “You don’t want to let them come in and hear you talking about [last season].”
Harbaugh said he is excited to coach Lewis after admiring him while he spent the past 10 seasons as an assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles.
“We had a chance the very first mini camp to get to know Ray a little bit,” Harbaugh said. “I was most impressed with his love for the game. The guy really likes football. He loves coming to practice; he loves being in meetings.”
Lewis also continues to evolve into a mentor of the Ravens’ younger players, including rookie linebacker Tavares Gooden, who wore the same jersey number — No. 52 — at the University of Miami.
“Small little things that I mess up on, he always tells me, ‘I’m going to teach you that,’” Gooden said of Lewis. “I think it’s a great opportunity for me to have — a guy who went to Miami, a guy that I followed through my whole career.”
rsnyder@baltimoreexaminer.com
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Examiner Reader said:
no way dawan is better than laron
2 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Congrats Ron Snyder on what is one of the dumbest pieces of writing i have seen this offseason. To even compare the two Landry's is sheer stupidity. Dawan will even tell you himself his brother is more talented. You act as though Laron is a malcontent. As for your assertation that the Ravens have gotten more out of their Landry? Did you miss the playoff game Laron had with the two INT's or all the knockout hits he had on recievers last year? Your article is garbage.
4 agree | 1 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
He's just the best there will ever be.
Vote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
The Receiving problem... said:
The problem with the receivers is that they have no red zone target. They got rid of Randy Hymes, who caught EVERYTHING thrown his way. I mean... just think what he could do if he has someone besides Boller throwing to him. So without Hymes... they have to count on Heap to stay healthy when they're in the red zone. You can get by with smaller receivers, but you have to score from further out. That means running passing plays longer than 5 yards. With Billick and Boller... we were never going to get that. So, hopefully this new offense and Troy Smith playing will show everyone just how right I am. I could hope for them to sign Randy Hymes also... but I know that's not happening.
2 agree | 2 disagree
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larry g said:
don't bite your tongue Matt , Upshaw should go
3 agree | 4 disagree
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jason said:
i'll say it, like i have told all my friends. YOu cannot have a good quaterback when you have a defensive player run a team. the only reason why the defense did not let mcnair get hit was because ray like him
99 agree | 96 disagree
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Mark said:
Akhenaton: Does the name Marvin Lewis ring a bell with you ? He had quite a bit of success coaching in the Raven's organization. Get off the race crap, we're sick of it. The job should go to the best qualified which is how the Bengals felt about Lewis. The Bengals are an NFL team. Can you foolow this. Lay off the Mad Dog for awhile and your perception will improve.
118 agree | 106 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Why would the ravens hire Cam Cameron who was fired from the Dolphins, he could not win one games except the game against the Ravens?
98 agree | 117 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Dennis Schehl - know your facts. Lewis was never believed to be directly involved in the stabbings. The only thing he did was lie to protect a friend. No matter what you think of the guy at least get it right. He is still one of the best linebackers to ever play the game. Even if he has lost a step...his influence can not be replaced. Know the game before you comment. Jab - that's a pretty stupid comment. Wasn't it Lewis that lead them to a Super Bowl victory? Wasn't it Lewis that won the MVP for that game? Hmmm...never a winning team huh? How stupid can you be?
118 agree | 120 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Ray I love what you have done and still do. But you are not the Ray of 2000. Steve wake up and smell the coffee as a season tix holder you cannot resign him to a big deal. You are starting to act like Peter,Steve!!!
126 agree | 118 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
dennis schehl.. you're an idiot. last i checked they had NO CASE against ray lewis and wasnt that a million years ago? dont watch the ravens if you dont like them.. dont comment on the board if you are clueless about football and defensive formations.. which, judging by your immature and ridiculous comment, you are ignorant in your knowledge (or lack of) of football.
103 agree | 121 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Jab.. stick with commenting on ballet or something because you obviously dont know football dude! ray lewis is the most feared linebacker EVER to play football and is still playing at a top 5 level in the NFL.. we consistently have a top 5 defense and that is the ONLY reason the franchise is successful.
117 agree | 111 disagree
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Bmore Resident said:
While I do not partcularly care for the Ravens, I am an avid football fan. I will say, getting a new coach- thumbs up! Ray Lewis EXEMPLEFIES (sp?) leadership- if not playing football he could easily be a youth coach (we need ppl like him there), a motivational speaker, preacher, whatever. You can tell he is genuine with his talks (did you hear him on ESPN this sunday) and I think he is the heart of his team, his teammates obviously look to him for guidance, as do the coaching staff. While I do not personally think Ray Lewis has much football left in him, he does have a great deal of heart left in him, and I know he will use that for good of the community- he does that now too!
132 agree | 119 disagree
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JAB said:
AS Long as ray lewis is on the team they will never have a wining team
116 agree | 126 disagree
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Dennis Schehl said:
Ray Lewis is a murdering scum of the earth, piece of human excrement. How much hush money is he paying the tow thugs that were with him in Atlanta. He is also a lousy leadert that needs to learn how to play the middle linebacker position instead of running all over the field. He is out of position on almost 405 of the plays. Watch for yourself.
111 agree | 114 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Mr Biscotti made a good choice with input from Cass and Ozzie and gave John Harbaugh strong support as he was introduced yesterday. He does't do Caoch Harbaugh any favors by constantly making sure everyone knows Ray Lewis is "the great leader" on the team.Part of the problem with the Ravens as a team is that it is clear Lewis, Ogden and several others have "priviledges status on the team. Look north Mr Biscotti, "teams" win with great players who do what it takes for the team to win. Too many hotdogs on a team have lousy seasons.
115 agree | 119 disagree
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examiner reader said:
great choice hiring john harbaugh believe me baltimore no one knew of don shula in 64 nfl or earl weaver in 68 mlb les we forget go ravens 08
119 agree | 110 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Now,if they would just get rid of the over-hyped and arrogant Ray Lewis.If any of you fools knew how this guy treats fans in his own home,then you would burn those jerseys you wasted your money on.This team needs a complete overhaul.Stop championing those who can tackle but can't read.
130 agree | 140 disagree
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Singletary supporter said:
Only Singletary will be humble enough to work for Cass; a teammate of Ozzie and the background to put RaLew in his place.
Singletary is the obvious choice for head coach.
120 agree | 123 disagreeVote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner Reader said:
Coaches are not property!!! Md can npot pay them enough to be called such.
109 agree | 111 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Marty Schot is just jealous Garrett is better looking and smarter. I am getting tired of protecting Marty Schots reputation when he just calls people trash. Marty was lucky someone was looking out for his future. Nothing more! Get rid of the lazy ilegals who clouded the issues and did not really contribute in the wins. Garrett has too much of a future in TX worries too much about the Ravens.
107 agree | 113 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
If Marty Schot comes here he will have a murder charge or a stroke. The minute one of those players or goons talk back or put there hands on him. It will be a house cleaning. He is a coach that is a proven winner and knows how get rid of the trash.
117 agree | 114 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Garrett does not want to coach in Baltimore, so let him go. How efficient will he be, if he's not content here?
140 agree | 124 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
My guess is Jerry Jones promotes Garrett to Asst. Head Coach of the Cowboys for the same amount of money that Slick Biscotti put on the table now that former Cowboy Asst Sparano was hired today by Big Tuna to lead the Fish. Also, by the looks Mrs. Garrett had on her face yesterday when leaving, it didn't look like she thought Baltimore was such a Charming City!
184 agree | 142 disagree
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avid reader said:
Either the Ravens did not impress Garrett or he is the wrong fit anyway. let's get Billick back and start winning some games.
132 agree | 153 disagree
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Ravens Fan said:
Let Garrett hop back on his horse and head back to Cowboy land. We need a ballbuster to come in and get control of that locker room and this team focused again on winning football games. What is Frank Kush up to these days?
127 agree | 137 disagree
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Peyton said:
Very good stuff Matt Palmer. Discovered your story today on the Mark Viviano Show on WJFK ESPN Radio 1300. Keep it up!
130 agree | 131 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Another offensive 'Genius' to take over as head coach. Sound familiar. Deja vu. Please don't repeat past mistakes, Mr. Bisciotti. At least Brian had a proven track record. I think the Ravens need a proven veteran coach. Offer Bill whatever it takes to to leave CBS. He is a much better coach than analyst.
138 agree | 132 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Adios My Friend
156 agree | 161 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Good Riddance. Trash talking scumbag that is an overrated embarassment to anyone intested in having a class organization. Can he take the wimp Darling and the ingrate Ray Lewis??
142 agree | 154 disagree
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Independent Marylander said:
Suggs gone this year, Ray gone after next year. Now let's do some serious rebuilding and get back to respectability. Get a strong coach in here, and put an end to the inmates running the asylum.
167 agree | 154 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Wonderful!! Shake Sugg's hand, pat him on the back, wish him the best and show him the door! Next player!!
154 agree | 164 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Can you say OVERRATED!? Ok, maybe not overrated, but clearly underperforming based on his abilities.
Suggs is still very young and very tough. There's still time for him to be the best there ever was -- if he had the drive of Ray Lewis, etc. Until then, he's just a good ballplayer who is not as good as he thinks he is.
Don't want to see the guy leave Baltimore; but it is what it is. And if Arizona wants to give us a #1 pick, I think I'd take it.
164 agree | 163 disagreeVote on this comment: I agree or I disagree
Examiner reader said:
It was silly to even mention Bill "trapjaw" Cowher in the beginning of the article. Personally speaking I don't want him as a head coach, and I'm glad the Ravens aren't interested.
164 agree | 160 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Gerome did nothing..hes a good man..and would never risk getting his pretty faced punched in
162 agree | 156 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Akhenaton, I think it's you that is the racist here. You're implying that the Ravens must sign a black head coach or they are racists? That's entirely bull crap. They need to hire whoever they believe is best for the team, whether that be black or white.
180 agree | 159 disagree
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Examiner Reader Baltimore County said:
Akhenaton, you are a sick individual. Why did you even think that race is a factor. Look at Newsome, the last time I looked, he is BLACK. There are many high rankng coaches in the NFL as well as in Baseball and Basketball. The only thing that owners look for as I see it is the ability to win, not the color of their skin. You need to get a life and move on. This crap stopped back in the late 60's. This is America, everyone has an opportnity to excel ifthey are qualified.
171 agree | 177 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Joppa Norman...you are not very smart and easily fooled huh? My God people are crazy on this board.
165 agree | 175 disagree
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Darice Claude-Bordley said:
Please, please, give this to Mr. Sapp and Mr. Maese:I am a MoM who is greiving because some young man ran up a set of stairs in anger to stab my son. My Son did not know what was coming. He was 30 years old and just as handsome and valuable as you are to your MOMs. Please cut this stuff out and forgive each other and get on with playing the wonderful and exciting games you play with such great skill. Mr. Sapp and Mr. Maese I'm sure you MOM's, Grandmom's and families are not happy with your behavior. Someone has to be the more humble and better person and yeild, someone please do this soon. This small tift's turn unto bigger rift's later and go on forever. We need examples(and whether you like it or not you an example to our communities children and they are watching you)of Great work ethic, kindness, caring, sharing and forgiveness. I know the two of you can do better. I miss my son and am hurt he's not here. Please try to do better.Thank u, David's MOM This article so saddens
161 agree | 178 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Akhenaton, please look at the first person that will be interviewed , the quarterback caoch from Indy- Caldwell is he not an African American? I swear when there is something on the Examiner that involves race bating or alleged bias against the African American community, you are always the one stirring it up. Please just shut up or go away.
170 agree | 173 disagree
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mike h. said:
The year that we won the superbowl it was coach Mervin Lewis that won that for us with the defense . Billick was giving the credit because he was the head coach .
169 agree | 155 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Ravens need to hire the person most likely to produce a winner, I don't care if they come from Uranus. Akhenaton, get a life and try to overcome your rampant racism.
182 agree | 168 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Akhenaton: Perhaps they should also include all qualified candidates. Will anyone be waiting in the wings to file a lawsuit if the Ravens don't interview someone of Asian or Hispanic descent? You may be interested to know that there are other types of minorities. Seems you are the one who is distracted or consumed by race.
172 agree | 180 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
I just love how people blame Billick for everything! Yes, he is the head coach & should assume responsibility for the team & I think he always has. But the fans who 'boo' Boller one week, cheer for him the next & do the same for McNair GET ON MY NERVES! Everyone wants to blame someone. Who do we blame next season if we have another crappy record? Our city is so spoiled (including me) that we expect to win every year & get angry when we don't & look for someone to blame. The Ravens history is pretty good for being so young. Only a few teams make it to the playoffs each season. You can't win them all!
187 agree | 174 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Sad commentary that some "person", Akhenaton, had to make even this trivial item in the news a racial issue. You must have a sad, small life filled with many failures of your own making.
191 agree | 150 disagree
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examiner reader said:
I am surprised that so many people could love a guy who has 1 playoff win in 7 years Given the talent that the ravens had thats a huge failure on his part. 33 wins and 33 losses since 2004 he was a joke For thise of you who think he was a good coach let's see if he ever gets another head coaching job I think not....
189 agree | 172 disagree
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Akhenaton said:
I hope that the "committee" interviews many qualified "black" professional NFL assistant coaches for this "equal opportunity position." If not, the NFL and the Baltimore Ravens management should be "sued" for (Federal) US Employment law violations. I for one, am tired of seeing "white male" dominate the head coaching jobs in the NFL! Baltimore NFL teams have never employed a "Negro-Black-African-American" as it's head coach....could it be that certain NFL teams have a good ole boy system in place? things that make me go hmmmm???? I sure hope the NAACP and the ACLU are wathing this public interview/selection process very closely for US law violations. Baltimore Ravens selection committee, if you are listening, are black men only good for being employed on the gridiron, and not good enough to coach this team to a Super Bowl Championship? If you all are "SCARED" to select a "qualified" black head coach for this position, then the Ravens are trully "racists." Baltimore Ravens rule!
163 agree | 221 disagree
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Examiner reader said:
billick tried to sound smart but sounded like an idiot. much like ozzie newsome.
189 agree | 177 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Farwell coach Brian Billick even though the rest of the team should have been fired instead of you!!!
177 agree | 157 disagree
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