Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice talks life after Ray Lewis

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) celebrates with linebacker Ray Lewis (52) following the game against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. The Ravens defeated the Broncos 38-35 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Things are going to be different for the Baltimore Ravens this year now that Ray Lewis has retired to pursue his dream of screaming pump-up speeches to frightened children before spelling bees (or whatever ESPN has him doing now). One player hoping to keep Lewis’ memory alive a little longer, though, is running back Ray Rice, who was spotted wearing a No. 52 jersey during practice on Tuesday.

Said Rice:

"It’s something Ray and I did the last two years — switching numbers — and I felt it was a cool gesture to keep him around for all he’s done in Baltimore. Ray said he might pull a little surprise Thursday night, (but) he probably won’t be in Denver. … He gets so animated watching games, he’d probably enjoy it more watching at home. I don’t know if he’ll tape a pre-game speech. But if I need one, I can give him a call (USA Today Sports)."

Lewis’ locker, adjacent to Rice’s, is now boarded up, which Rice says serves as a good reminder that one day they’ll all have to walk away from the game they love.

We can only hope that Joe Flacco takes over the pre-game speech duties in 2013.

[Source: USA Today Sports]

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