Ray Lewis will retire after Super Bowl

On Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, Ray Lewis announced he will retire after 17 seasons to spend more time with his sons. On Sunday, Jan. 20, 2013, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to a win over the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game. The fearsome 13-time Pro Bowl linebacker symbolizes the NFL – not just the Ravens, says Yahoo! Sports' Jason Cole, and is well known for his explosive personality.

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PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after he dropped a potenial interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts after he dropped a potenial interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the AFC Championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)