Vasilis Lericos
The Ravens did not erect a statue of Ray Lewis because he was a 13-time Pro Bowler, 10-time All-Pro, two-time defensive MVP or two-time Super Bowl champion. They honored him because he instilled a culture, an identity, that continues to define the franchise.
From the moment he was drafted to a newborn team, ‘The General’ devoted his athletic gifts, work ethic and profound leadership to the Ravens. Lewis breathed life into a city that went without professional football for my entire childhood. As a high schooler, I lived for Sunday afternoons to watch my hero come out of the tunnel and electrify the stadium.