The Baltimore Ravens have become a storied franchise in a relatively short time. Since their inauguration in 1996, the Ravens have been making postseason runs. Historically, defense has been the most notable part of the team’s success- a tradition beginning with linebacker Ray Lewis. Lewis is the most recognizable face in Ravens history, playing every season of his career with the franchise. Lewis won two Super Bowl Rings and a Super Bowl MVP award. In November 2022, the Chicago Bears traded Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens. Smith was a stud in Chicago and was viewed as the heir apparent to Bears’ legend Brian Urlacher. In the same manner as Urlacher, Smith ran into contract disputes with the front office. The contractual disagreements lead to Chicago parting ways with the linebacker.
Roquan Smith Wants to Continue Ray Lewis’ Legacy
As a Raven, Smith made an immediate impact. It was evident from the first practice that he would be a vital addition to the team’s linebacking core. Smith spent the final nine games of the 2022 season in Baltimore, posting 51 solo tackles, two sacks, and an interception. In 2022, Smith became an NFL All-Pro and a Pro Bowler. In 2023, Smith was again named to the All-Pro team and Pro Bowl- showing that he’ll consistently be able to anchor the defense. Smith and former linebacker Ray Lewis are taking a liking to one another. Recently, Lewis has become a mentor to Smith, spreading knowledge and leadership.
Last season, Lewis and Smith sat down together for NFL Films. In the production, the two broke down game film together, admiring each other’s big plays. Lewis admires how Smith goes after ball carriers, giving maximum effort on each play. “There ain’t too many hunters left…When I watch Roquan, that’s a hunter” said Lewis while watching Smith chase down runners. Lewis then asks Smith his goals in a Ravens uniform, and Smith replies “…to be the best version of myself and hopefully be compared to a guy like Ray”
Ray Lewis’ Career in Baltimore
Ray Lewis was selected with the 26th pick in the 1996 NFL draft. After an outstanding college career at the University of Miami, he headed to Baltimore. Ultimately, Lewis became the strongest pillar in franchise history. In Lewis’ second year, he set the record for solo tackles in a season with 157, a record still standing today. That wouldn’t be the only time Lewis led the league in solo tackles, as he did it again in 1999 and 2001. In those same years, Lewis also led the league in combined tackles.
By 2001, Lewis was a Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. Lewis went on to win the award twice. Additionally, Lewis is a 7-time first-team All-pro and a 13-time Pro Bowler. Not to mention, he made Second-team All-Pro three times. Even after Lewis’ career, he continues to receive accolades. Lewis is on the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team, the NFL 100 Anniversary Team, and the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor. There’s surely another Ravens great waiting at the helm with the addition of Roquan Smith.
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