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After spending over a decade and a half in a Baltimore Ravens uniform, linebacker Ray Lewis announced Wednesday he'll be retiring at the end of the season. Lewis has been sidelined with torn right triceps for nearly two and a half months but should play against the Indianapolis Colts in this weekend's opening round AFC playoff game.
Speaking to reporters, Lewis said part of the reason he's leaving is because of a promise he made to his son. Ray Lewis III will be a freshman linebacker at his father's alma mater, the University of Miami, next season and the elder Lewis doesn't want to miss a second of it.
"I always promised my son if he got a full ride on scholarship Daddy is going to be there, I can't miss that," said Lewis.
The 13-time Pro Bowler also told reporters his kids have made the "ultimate sacrifice" and he wants to spend more time with them.