The Baltimore Ravens proved a stellar football mental toughness as they pummeled the New England Patriots 28-13 in the AFC championships. Lead by veteran linebacker Ray Lewis, the Ravens’ defense dominated Tom Brady and the Patriots explosive offense.

Throughout the season Baltimore suffered losses and injuries, but the team never lost their football confidence or resilience. They entered the playoffs as a wildcard team, but with an ignited sense of urgency to reach their full potential.

Lewis suffered a debilitating injury when he tore his triceps midseason against the Dallas Cowboys. The tear required surgery, and many predicted he was finished for the season. Known for his grueling training regimen and superb mental preparation, doctors and coaches refused to designate a time frame for his rejoining the team. His quick return for the first playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts surprised many, but Lewis never listened to any negativity surrounding his situation.

Instead he focused on improving his football mental toughness with his dedication to physical therapy and constantly relying on his Christian faith. With rumors of retirement swirling in the media, Lewis decided he must return for a few more plays before hanging up his cleats for good. His resolve allowed him the opportunity to play again this season, and lead his team to greatness in the Super Bowl.

His outstanding football mind pushed him to intimidate defenses, but also offered tremendous motivation to his teammates. Famous for his rousing inspirational speeches, Lewis oozed in football confidence as he pushed his teammates to dig deeper for their best performance. One of his favorite lines of encouragement was “If tomorrow wasn’t promised, what would you give for today?” No one on the Raven’s team wants to give less than their best when Ray Lewis is around.

Ray Lewis’ career spans seventeen seasons with thirteen Pro-Bowl appearances and the winner of the 2000 Super Bowl MVP. Drafted during the first round from Miami University, Lewis played his entire career for the Ravens. Lewis knows the power of focusing in the present, and the effect that mental preparation has to his success on the field.

He offered encouragement when he said, “Effort is between you, and you, and nobody else. So that team that thinks it’s ready to see you. They think they’ve seen on film. They ain’t seen what film shows, because every day is a new day. Every moment is a new moment. So now you’ve got to go out show them that I’m a different creature now than I was five minutes ago. Because I’m pissed off for greatness. Cause if you ain’t pissed off for greatness, then that just means you’re okay with being mediocre.” There is nothing mediocre about Ray Lewis.

The decision to retire after this season was made by Lewis before he returned from his injury. Every playoff game held the gravity that this might be his last game. His football confidence soared, and his play left opposing offenses stifled. Lewis understands that Super Bowl XVII is his last professional game with his retirement starting shortly afterward.

Fans will be sad to see him leave, but expect a display of mental toughness and tenacity for that one final game.

The game of football will miss him.