MINNEAPOLIS – Five years to the day of his final game – a triumph in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans – Ray Lewis is Squirrel Dancing his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The former Baltimore Ravens linebacker was elected to the 2018 class Saturday in his first year of eligibility, headlining a class that also includes wide receivers Terrell Owens and Randy Moss, linebacker Brian Urlacher and safety Brian Dawkins. Moss and Urlacher were also in their first year of eligibility.
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis waves to fans after violence a Indianapolis Colts 24-9 in a AFC Wild Card playoff diversion during MT Bank Stadium.(Photo: Evan Habeeb, USA TODAY Sports)
MINNEAPOLIS – Five years to a day of his final diversion – a delight in Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans – Ray Lewis is Squirrel Dancing his approach into a Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Lewis announced after the 2012 regular season, of which he played just six games because of a torn triceps, that he would retire following the playoffs. That postseason served as a fitting farewell, with the campaign culminating in the Super Bowl title.
Discussion on Owens’ credentials lasted more than 45 minutes Saturday, the longest of any of the 15 finalists. But ultimately his career numbers landed a coveted spot in Canton. He caught 1,078 passes for 15,934 yards (second in NFL history) and 156 touchdowns (third all-time) in his career, most of which was spent with the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
What a weekend this could be for Dawkins, the longtime Eagles safety who now works in the the team’s personnel department. Dawkins was a five-time first-team all-pro (four times with Philadelphia and once with the Denver Broncos), and he finished his 16-year career with 37 interceptions and 36 forced fumbles
Among the notable finalists who were not selected were safety John Lynch, offensive tackles Tony Boselli and Joe Jacoby and offensive guards Alan Faneca and Steve Hutchinson.
