Not many players over the last 30 years have left quite a lasting impact on a team as Ray Lewis did during his run with the Baltimore Ravens.
From his Hall of Fame-level play to his sheer intensity on the field, Lewis played every single game like it was his last. Lewis sure also instilled fear into a multitude of quarterbacks during his playing days.
The Miami Dolphins formally introduced former Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver as their new defensive coordinator last week. Weaver was asked during his introductory press conference about the "Ravens mentality," and he took some time to tip his hat to Lewis for helping to build an identity of physicality and toughness that is still on full display with Baltimore’s defense to this today.
"Yeah, I think the one thing about that place is, and it probably started a long time ago with Ray Lewis and that squad," Weaver said. "Every single person who has stepped in that building since tries to live up to that standard. So that probably has a lot to do with it.
"From a scouting standpoint, and ultimately I think it’s the same thing here, you want to make sure you get guys with high football character. … I think taking that next step to being recognized like how the Ravens play is just doing it for the long-term."
Weaver shared the field with Lewis for a total of four seasons in Baltimore. He had quite a front-row seat to watch the Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker lead the Ravens both on and off the field.
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