Fansided

Top 30 NFL players of the 21st century

By Jarrett Bailey

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 24: Darrelle Revis #24 of the New York Jets reacts with Jordan Jenkins #48 before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on as he takes his helmet off against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 03: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens looks on as he takes his helmet off against the San Francisco 49ers during Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on February 3, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

4. Ray Lewis

He is in contention for the greatest inside linebacker of all time, and hit harder than anyone in his generation. Ray Lewis oozed fire and passion for the game of football, and he was the soul of the Baltimore Ravens for 17 seasons.

From 2000-12, Lewis was a Pro Bowler nine times and an All-Pro on seven occasions. He was the leader of one of the greatest defenses in NFL history in 2000 that helped the Ravens win the Super Bowl. He had 137 tackles in 2000, along with two interceptions and was named Defensive Player of the Year.

Lewis led the NFL in tackles the following year in 2001 with an amazing 162 total tackles on the season. He got to go out on top after the 2012 season in which the Ravens won their second Super Bowl of the century, defeating the 49ers.

Lewis brought more to the Ravens than just generational talent- he brought a fan base together. His passion was contagious, and it attached itself to every fan that piled into M&T Bank Stadium. He is one of the greatest players of all time, and one that is absolutely synonymous with one team. Ray Lewis was Baltimore. In many ways, he still is.

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