Ray Lewis News

"Ray Lewis sidestepped questions about his future with the Ravens today, saying he is focused on team issues and not individual ones. The nine-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker is entering the final year of his contract and could become a free agent for the first time in his career. Lewis and the Ravens are negotiating an extension, but the sides are not believed to be close. "

"Ray Lewis is entering the final year of his contract, but the Ravens still envision the Pro Bowl linebacker in the team's future. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said the team is in "open dialogue" with Lewis on a contract extension and would actively pursue him if he reaches free agency."

"Both men likely will need to separate business from pleasure in 2008 as Lewis enters the final year of a contract that will pay him $6.5 million next season. The Ravens are in negotiations with another linebacker, Terrell Suggs, over a long-term contract extension, and Lewis likely will seek deal that could be too salary cap heavy."

"Lewis, who missed the final two games with a dislocated finger after having his best season since 2003, is signed for one more year. Will he play out his deal and go from there, or will he demand a contract extension or push the Ravens to trade him?"

"Tuesday's off day wasn't so relaxing for Ray Lewis. The Ravens' eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker endured a harrowing helicopter ride through fog and rain before landing in a field in Cecil County. Lewis spent that morning and part of the afternoon shooting an Under Armour commercial in New York. Because the shoot ended too late for him to take a train to get back to a Christmas party for about 600 children at 4 p.m. in Baltimore, Under Armour paid for a helicopter to fly Lewis back. That's when the craziness began, Lewis said."

"Adalius Thomas didn’t really want to talk about his spat with former Baltimore teammate Ray Lewis."

"Shortly after the Ravens' playoff loss to the Indianapolis Colts last season, middle linebacker Ray Lewis was in the locker room crying. The outpour was so strong, he had trouble breathing."

"Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis is not bothered by the declaration of offensive coordinator Bruce Arians that the Steelers will run the ball against the Ravens' defense when the teams meet tonight at Heinz Field."

"After finishing their first practice after the bye, several Ravens walked off the field laughing with coach Brian Billick, while others playfully tossed a ball around. If there was any disarray coming from Ray Lewis' recent criticism of Billick's play-calling, there were no signs yesterday."

"Comments from a player criticizing the head coach should be handled internally, but linebacker Ray Lewis' public criticism last week of Brian Billick's play-calling was justified."

"The current war of words between Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas and former teammate Ray Lewis this week has been met with all the fervor of Hollywood gossip-mongers who trail Britney Spears, waiting for her next train wreck."

"Ray Lewis was calm but candid last night on his weekly radio show when asked about the Ravens' play-calling on offense during the second half of their 19-14 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday."

" Linebacker Ray Lewis vowed during the week the Baltimore Ravens would be waiting for Jamal Lewis when they got to Cleveland Browns Stadium. On Sunday, it was Jamal Lewis who got revenge on his former team and its vaunted run defense. "

"The best defenses in the NFL usually take on the personality of their coordinator or head coach...This never has been the case with the Baltimore Ravens. Mention the Ravens and one name comes to mind. "Ray Lewis runs that defense," said receiver Braylon Edwards."

"Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has signed an endorsement deal with Under Armour in what might be the biggest coup for the Baltimore-based apparel company."

"Tackle Jonathan Ogden essentially ruled himself out of the Baltimore Ravens' home opener on Sunday, but linebacker Ray Lewis said that he will be ready to play against the New York Jets."

"If anyone had said to you seven years ago that today Ray Lewis would be hosting a radio show in the coming season, you'd probably ask how he can broadcast from state prison. That is, once you'd have stopped laughing."