Over the next few weeks my online writing students are trying to uncover the reasoning behind why we values some things over others. Their conversation starts with simple question: Why do sports matter? I know that for me sports matter because of the story they tell about the individuals who play the game.
Football is not just about being hungry for recognition and accolades. It is about individuals hungry to prove themselves through perhaps the only medium they’ve known in their life and by that become greater than themselves and even find greater in themselves. That is the story of Ray Lewis as I see it. Tonight he won his second Superbowl title on the last game of his storied career. This is the way a champion should go out.
Many people are talking about the murder allegations in Ray’s past. That coincides with the belief that our athletes should also be our saints off the field. I don’t know what 52’s involvement was in the double homicide back in 2000, but I do know how much his words and present actions inspire me. That is his legacy.
Congratulations 2012-13 Ravens. Congratulations Mr. Ray Lewis. This one is well earned.