Sunday Night Football on NBC created a poll for fans to vote on some of the most dominant players in NFL history. As a result, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and current Hall of Famer Ray Lewis was named the most dominant non-quarterback player of the 21st century, beating out Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
From 175 players down to 1‼️
YOU the fans have voted Ray Lewis as the most DOMINANT player (not including QBs) of the 21st century. 💪#RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/vVXgONciV8
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 1, 2023
The Ravens selected Lewis with the No. 26 overall selection in the 1996 NFL Draft before he went on to spend all 17 years of his career with the same franchise, something not many players have the privilege of saying.
Lewis was a nightmare for opposing offenses to play against during his time as a pro. The 12-time Pro-Bowler, seven-time All-Pro, two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year, two-time Super Bowl Champion, and MVP of Super Bowl 35 made his presence felt with his unique blend of athleticism and strength.
Lewis’ performance in Super Bowl 35 versus the New York Giants was one to remember. He recorded five total tackles while blocking four passes en route to the Ravens dominant 34-7 victory over the Giants. The Ravens won another Super Bowl with Lewis in 2012 in his last NFL season before he ultimately decided to retire.
To cap off such a remarkable career, Lewis was selected as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-Decades 2000s Team. The All-Decades teams are designed to acknowledge the outstanding performers in the NFL throughout a 10-year span.
