Ray Lewis Statue?

[Steelerkillers]

In a Press Conference With the Ravens owner, the discussion was about Ray's retirement. The owner mentioned that even if Ray retired this year, it wouldn't have affected the process of the construction of his statue. What do you guys think? Will he get one positioned next to Johnny Unitas? That would be awesome!!!!!!!

[edreedfromtheu]

To be honest, I hope they move Johnny Unitas to a different location... so he's not right there front and center in front of the RAVENS stadium. That's where Ray Lewis belongs.

Please, don't start bashing me saying that I don't care about the history of Baltmore football. I do. Unitas was great. But he was never part of the RAVENS. And everyone rubbing a COLT for good luck when they left us... is kind of backwards. ESPECIALLY when the Colts are still a team, and happen to beat us more often than not. I'd rather rub Ray Lewis's cleats for good luck before every game.

With that said, I hope a statue isn't built until Ray retires. And I hope that day is still a few years from now. Then again, if the Ravens do win the Super Bowl... I think Ray Lewis, Derrick Mason, and even Ed Reed... might all retire and go out on the highest note possible. And that could very well happen this year!

[meckman71]

I would not build the statue before retirement look what It did to Rocky, Clubber Lang beat him senseless
Seriously I think immortalizing someone is tacky while they are still playing that's just me.

[berad]

Of course Ray deserves to be immortally enshrined in Baltimore. He embodies every quality that a Raven should have: fiery passion, tremendous work-ethic, high character, intensity, a team-first attitude, and true leadership. He is a huge reason why we are the Ravens we know and love today. He deserves it.

[Twoo]

Honestly, I'd be upset if Ray DIDN'T get a statue. Ask any American (who knows something about football) a player that plays for the Ravens and 99% will say Ray Lewis. He's been with the Ravens since our First game and is going to spend his entire career with us.

But I can't imagine Lewis, Mason and Reed retiring the same year....

[berad]

[quote name='Twoo' date='02 August 2009 - 01:18 PM' timestamp='1249233492' post='214255']
But I can't imagine Lewis, Mason and Reed retiring the same year....
[/quote]

That would be a fun offseason, huh?

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='02 August 2009 - 12:54 PM' timestamp='1249232050' post='214249']
To be honest, I hope they move Johnny Unitas to a different location... so he's not right there front and center in front of the RAVENS stadium. That's where Ray Lewis belongs.

Please, don't start bashing me saying that I don't care about the history of Baltmore football. I do. Unitas was great. But he was never part of the RAVENS. And everyone rubbing a COLT for good luck when they left us... is kind of backwards. ESPECIALLY when the Colts are still a team, and happen to beat us more often than not. I'd rather rub Ray Lewis's cleats for good luck before every game.

With that said, I hope a statue isn't built until Ray retires. And I hope that day is still a few years from now. Then again, if the Ravens do win the Super Bowl... I think Ray Lewis, Derrick Mason, and even Ed Reed... might all retire and go out on the highest note possible. And that could very well happen this year!
[/quote]

i agree. i dont feel any connection to the bmore colts and could care less.its all about the Ravens!! I think alot of people tend to hold on to the past. I know people who became Skins Fans because Baltimore didn't have a football team yet.but, these same people can't explain why they wont accept the Ravens now that we have a team!

[J-man]

[quote name='berad' date='02 August 2009 - 01:39 PM' timestamp='1249234759' post='214261']
That would be a fun offseason, huh?
[/quote]

All of which are in your sig, lol.

Why not put Ray on the other side? Cause that's where I go in on!

[Ravnet]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='02 August 2009 - 12:54 PM' timestamp='1249232050' post='214249']
To be honest, I hope they move Johnny Unitas to a different location... so he's not right there front and center in front of the RAVENS stadium. That's where Ray Lewis belongs.[/quote]

I disagree.

The Ravens treat the Baltimore/Colts situation perfectly in that they don't overdo the nostalgic trash, yet still honor former community members in a respectable manner.

Having the Unitas statue in front of the stadium and then not endlessly harking on Colts history says that Baltimore still values Unitas and co., but has moved onto another franchise.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='Twoo' date='02 August 2009 - 01:18 PM' timestamp='1249233492' post='214255']But I can't imagine Lewis, Mason and Reed retiring the same year....[/quote]

I would gladly trade Lewis/Mason/Reed retiring and 3/4 bad seasons for a single Super Bowl.

[gizmodergy]

Going to have to disagree with you ...I love the Johnny statue. He was a great part of Baltimore football history and his statue belongs there. Unitas loved Baltimore ...and he even loved the Ravens ...and considered the Ravens his team ..not the Colts.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='meckman71' date='02 August 2009 - 01:08 PM' timestamp='1249232886' post='214251']
I would not build the statue before retirement look what It did to Rocky, Clubber Lang beat him senseless
Seriously I think immortalizing someone is tacky while they are still playing that's just me.
[/quote]

lol. Rocky and Purple Rain are my favorite movies. Clubber Lang Did knock Rockys block off.lol. But thats the movies! This is real life. Theres nuthin Ray can do besides getting in Legal trouble that can hinder him from geting a statue. As long as he keeps tackling,it will happen. He doesn't need anymore defensive player of the year awards or Pro Bowl appearences. His legacy is set!!!!

[Ravens52]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='02 August 2009 - 02:12 PM' timestamp='1249236779' post='214273']
I would gladly trade Lewis/Mason/Reed retiring and 3/4 bad seasons for a single Super Bowl.
[/quote]


me tooooooo

[MS.Ravens]

It would be great to get one of Ray but as far as him retiring, not gonna happen. That man is a beast, he still got yrs left in him

[Bullrush]

Colts, Ravens, what's the difference. It's Baltimore. Unitas is a legend, we can't disrespect him like that. Ray's should be right next to his, and Ogden's should be next to Ray's.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='Bullrush' date='02 August 2009 - 05:38 PM' timestamp='1249249084' post='214318']
Colts, Ravens, what's the difference. It's Baltimore. Unitas is a legend, we can't disrespect him like that. Ray's should be right next to his, and Ogden's should be next to Ray's.
[/quote]

Oh nah! thats like sayin, Scottie Pippen shouldv had a statue built right next to Michael Jordan at the United Center. The only player that may get a statue beside a player who played for the same organization is Kobe Bryant along-side Magic Johnson. Stokton & Malone as well because they had the same impact on their team. Kobe will be considered to be the best Laker to ever play the game. Plus Kobe and Magic are from two different Era's in Basketball and weren't on the same team. In order for two players on the same team to get a statue, they have to be equally successful together and have equal impact on the team. If Ogden was on the team without Ray, I dont think He would get a statue because Ray Impacted/impacts the game and our team more than Johnathan. A Ray-less Raven team is just another team. A Ogdenless Raven Squad wouldv been and still is a force.Ngata will be right there with Ogden especially if he helps us get a superbowl win. Will Ngata deserve a statue? Scottie without Mike doesn't win. Mike could succeed wit no Scottie. The jazz without Malone or Stockton has the same affect. But other than that, I agree with ya point about the Colts.

[Mick0311]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='02 August 2009 - 12:12 PM' timestamp='1249236725' post='214272']
I disagree.

The Ravens treat the Baltimore/Colts situation perfectly in that they don't overdo the nostalgic trash, yet still honor former community members in a respectable manner.

Having the Unitas statue in front of the stadium and then not endlessly harking on Colts history says that Baltimore still values Unitas and co., but has moved onto another franchise.
[/quote]


Not to mention that Unitas was highly upset with the Colt franchise for moving and was pretty harsh with the words too. I remember reading an article where he basically said he was a "Baltimore football player", but I'm just paraphrasing that. Something very similar, all but disowning the Colt name. He was more proud of the Baltimore legacy then he was of a team name on a uniform. He stayed true to our city, and he deserves to be right where he freakin' is.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

Jony U was a BALTIMORE player who deserves to be enshrined at our stadium. Ray-Ray should also get his statue as he is the franchise player that spent his entire NFL career in Baltimore. We can make room for both at M&T

[BloodRaven]

Nobody likes living in the shadow of a HOF player, especially [b]literally[/b]. Every MLB after Ray is going to seem like a failure in comparison.

[J-man]

[quote name='kash96ravenstotalfan' date='02 August 2009 - 09:01 PM' timestamp='1249261261' post='214366']
Jony U was a BALTIMORE player who deserves to be enshrined at our stadium. Ray-Ray should also get his statue as he is the franchise player that spent his entire NFL career in Baltimore. We can make room for both at M&T
[/quote]

And then, maybe one day (knock on wood), Joe Flacco will deserve one.

[FerrariFan87]

Most definitely... J.O. deserves one too in my opinion

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='02 August 2009 - 10:49 PM' timestamp='1249267760' post='214388']
Most definitely... J.O. deserves one too in my opinion
[/quote]

Naw man! He was a wonderful asset to the team.But,he wasnt a phenom! meaning a Tiger Woods, M.J, Stockton or Malone, Micheal Phelps,Peyton Manning, etc. Those are supernatural athletes and only those types of guys get statues. Thats factual! I understand how yall feel about J.O., but, u can pick one of Peyton mannings,or Tom Bradys offensive linemen to do the same job.Remember, Peyton/Tom doesn't get sacked!! pick a linebacker from the Colts or any team and replace him with Ray.You wouldn't get the same results! I think that if Ngata and Kelly Greg stay healthy, they will have just as much raven success as Ogden. But, you're talkin about a freak of nature like Ray sharing the possiblity of having a statue with a teamate who doesnt have as much as an impact on his team as he does.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='Steelerkillers' date='02 August 2009 - 11:54 PM' timestamp='1249271672' post='214408']
Naw man! He was a wonderful asset to the team.But,he wasnt a phenom! meaning a Tiger Woods, M.J, Stockton or Malone, Micheal Phelps,Peyton Manning, etc. Those are supernatural athletes and only those types of guys get statues. Thats factual! I understand how yall feel about J.O., but, u can pick one of Peyton mannings,or Tom Bradys offensive linemen to do the same job.Remember, Peyton/Tom doesn't get sacked!! pick a linebacker from the Colts or any team and replace him with Ray.You wouldn't get the same results! I think that if Ngata and Kelly Greg stay healthy, they will have just as much raven success as Ogden. But, you're talkin about a freak of nature like Ray sharing the possiblity of having a statue with a teamate who doesnt have as much as an impact on his team as he does. But, i can respect your opinion though.Jus showin ya love for J.O. No beef here!!!!!!
[/quote]

[wolfzie06]

When it is all said and done, I believe Ray will have a statue at the Ravens stadium. You can't just give out statues or Ring of Honor spots. To earn a spot like that, you have to be the best of the best in Ravens history. While J.O. was an elite, H.O.F.-level tackle, I think that only Ray is deserving of one when he retires, not even Ed Reed. A statue of Ray would represent our team, city's and national representation of Raven's football since we became a franchise.

[Ravnet]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='02 August 2009 - 10:49 PM' timestamp='1249267760' post='214388']
Most definitely... J.O. deserves one too in my opinion
[/quote]

Are we just going to build a statue for every good player in Ravens history? An offensive lineman? Come on. . .

Ray Lewis, like Unitas, was the face of the team and an all-time great player in overall football history. Ray has won multiple DPoY awards, a Super Bowl, will be elected into the HoF, and was with the Ravens since Baltimore was granted football once again.

Ed Reed/Ogden were very good players, with Reed being almost as decorated as Ray, but Ray Lewis IS the Ravens.

[jfc13]

Johnny Unitas was the face of the Baltimore Colts and Ray Lewis is the face of the Baltimore Ravens for the first two decades of the team.

I agree that the statues should be kept at a minimum. We have the Ring of Honor to honor all the great players, but the statues should be for the 'faces of an era' and there is generally only one face per "era". Ray Lewis should get that statue.

Years from now, probably after Ray's retirement, and maybe even after all the current players have retired, there may be another player that is as readily thought of as the face of those future Ravens and that player should get his statue, but to keep the statues special, they have to remain scarce.

Baltimore should be proud to have two players of this elite stature.

[FerrariFan87]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='03 August 2009 - 06:34 AM' timestamp='1249295673' post='214437']
Are we just going to build a statue for every good player in Ravens history? An offensive lineman? Come on. . .

Ray Lewis, like Unitas, was the face of the team and an all-time great player in overall football history. Ray has won multiple DPoY awards, a Super Bowl, will be elected into the HoF, and was with the Ravens since Baltimore was granted football once again.

Ed Reed/Ogden were very good players, with Reed being almost as decorated as Ray, but Ray Lewis IS the Ravens.
[/quote]

First player ever drafted by the Ravens; He is going to be the first Raven in the Hall of Fame; He was a consummate professional and did A TON for this community. He is considered by many one of the greatest LT in the HISTORY of the NFL, if not THE greatest. He's much more than just an offensive lineman. Show some respect for his astounding efforts both on and off the field. If that isn't enough to garner a statue, I don't know what is.

[PIG 20]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='02 August 2009 - 12:54 PM' timestamp='1249232050' post='214249']
To be honest, I hope they move Johnny Unitas to a different location... so he's not right there front and center in front of the RAVENS stadium. That's where Ray Lewis belongs.

Please, don't start bashing me saying that I don't care about the history of Baltmore football. I do. Unitas was great. But he was never part of the RAVENS. And everyone rubbing a COLT for good luck when they left us... is kind of backwards. ESPECIALLY when the Colts are still a team, and happen to beat us more often than not. I'd rather rub Ray Lewis's cleats for good luck before every game.

With that said, I hope a statue isn't built until Ray retires. And I hope that day is still a few years from now. Then again, if the Ravens do win the Super Bowl... I think Ray Lewis, Derrick Mason, and even Ed Reed... might all retire and go out on the highest note possible. And that could very well happen this year!
[/quote]


I get what you're saying but its not about "Johnny Unitas The Colt" but more of

"Johnny Unitas, one of the greatest players to ever play the game".

And he is as much Baltimore as Cal Ripken. He was "our guy". I didn't even see him during his playing career but I know of his legendary status and I was still in "shock" when I ran into him at the airport about 10 years ago. He was standing in line right behind me and I didn't even know it. I turned around, stared at him with a shocked look and all he did was smile and say "hi". I felt like an idiot but it totally caught me off guard. I couldn't say anything. I just said "hi" back and turned around. It was the only time I've ever been "start struck" before. One of the biggest football legends was standing in line with me to board a plane with everyone else. That's how Johnny U operated. No special treatment.

Johnny Unitas was also a HUGE Ravens fan! He loved this football team as much as we all do. He was a strong and vocal advocate for getting football back to Baltimore. He also spurned the NFL for letting the Colts name and records reside in Indy.

His statue will stay put as it should. Ray will have his statue one day. As far as the location, who knows? But Johnny U's will never be moved. He deserves to be immortalized forever in this town.

[Steelerkillers]

[quote name='FerrariFan87' date='03 August 2009 - 08:52 AM' timestamp='1249303970' post='214448']
First player ever drafted by the Ravens; He is going to be the first Raven in the Hall of Fame; He was a consummate professional and did A TON for this community. He is considered by many one of the greatest LT in the HISTORY of the NFL, if not THE greatest. He's much more than just an offensive lineman. Show some respect for his astounding efforts both on and off the field. If that isn't enough to garner a statue, I don't know what is.
[/quote]

We understand your support for J.O. But the point is that every good or great player don't get the previledge of having a statue.especially when you're on the same team as a Michael Jordan or Michael Phelps. Johnathan wasn't the face of the Ravens and didn't impact the team as Ray did/does. That doesn't take away from J.O being an elite player. But, when you have jordan or phelps on ya team, you won't get the same priviledges. If, Ed Reed keeps doin what he's doin and stays with the team a few more years, He will be the next great Raven!! The Great players i've mentioned change the momentum in games,and most definitely determine whether your team wins or losses. J.O. didn't have that type of impact.To make a long story short, There are Micheal Jordans & Scottie Pippens/Batmans & Robins;Somebody has to be Pippen & Robin! And thats okay!!!

[Marc2k6]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='02 August 2009 - 12:54 PM' timestamp='1249232050' post='214249']
To be honest, I hope they move Johnny Unitas to a different location... so he's not right there front and center in front of the RAVENS stadium. That's where Ray Lewis belongs.

Please, don't start bashing me saying that I don't care about the history of Baltmore football. I do. Unitas was great. But he was never part of the RAVENS. And everyone rubbing a COLT for good luck when they left us... is kind of backwards. ESPECIALLY when the Colts are still a team, and happen to beat us more often than not. I'd rather rub Ray Lewis's cleats for good luck before every game.

With that said, I hope a statue isn't built until Ray retires. And I hope that day is still a few years from now. Then again, if the Ravens do win the Super Bowl... I think Ray Lewis, Derrick Mason, and even Ed Reed... might all retire and go out on the highest note possible. And that could very well happen this year!
[/quote]
I understand what you are saying, Ray is the face of the Raven's. When you say Raven's you think Ray Lewis. When you say Baltimore Colt's you think Johnny U. I get it.