[News] Byrne Identity: 20 Questions With Jamal Lewis

[BR News]

The legendary running back talked about practicing against Ray Lewis and his record-setting day in 2003.

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[sami]

I remember it seemed like every game Jamal ran in, someone from the other team got hurt. He was like a runaway freight train.

[salamander]

It's great to see the Ravens building such a great history in the past 20 years with memorable triumphs and legendary players. 2 Super Bowls, Ray Lewis, Reed , Ogden, Jamal, Suggs, the list goes on. Thanks Ravens for the return of excellent NFL football to Baltimore. It was a long, painful and bitter wait after the Colts snuck out of town. Such a joy to have our hometown Ravens. 

Edited October 9, 2015 by salamander

[Bat-mite]

I remember it seemed like every game Jamal ran in, someone from the other team got hurt. He was like a runaway freight train.

He was the Mike Tyson of running backs. 

[Ravensfansince03]

Jamal Lewis was great. He just got plagued by off field problems.

[Ravensfansince03]

When I first became a Ravens fan at 12 years old I thought Jamal Lewis and Ray Lewis were brothers!! Lol. It wasn't until the next season (2004) that I asked my father and he told me no. You guys can imagine how dumb I felt. I used to think that the Ravens were a magical team when I was young LOL it was great watching our stellar defense. Always gave me something to brag about in school.

[MissRay27]

Still my baby love! #31 the one & only.

[ellicottraven]

Hi Jamal! You were an all time Raven stud!

[bioLarzen]

He was the first McFarlane NFL action figure I purchased (of the 5 I currently have) - although it wasn't cheap, especially with the shipping fee to Hungary... But he had to be the first one.

[uhhhh]

I became a Ravens fan in 2003 because of him

[cobrajet]

Still bothered by the fact that Jerome Bettis is in the HOF when Jamal in his prime was better than Bettis in his prime.

[Addicks]

Love Jamal!!!! I honestly would be thrilled to get a big intimidating beast  at RB again. I was at the Cleveland game when he broke the record, and have a signed 8X10 framed photo in my Ravens room. I'd love to see him on "A FOOTBALL LIFE" life soon... get it done NFL!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited October 9, 2015 by Addicks

[mendii]

Being 8 years old and playing as Jamal Lewis in Madden 2002 is the reason I first became interested in the Baltimore Ravens. Watching him run in real life was even more of a pleasure, he's the best running back I've ever watched play with my own eyes. His legs never stopped, he loved contact, and he had that deceptively slow speed where you would have no idea how he was outrunning a cornerback when it looked like he was going slower than him. If he could have somehow repeated the success of the 03 season, he'd be a no doubt hall of famer. You're the man Jamal, and from this interview you seem like a really cool dude.

[Maryland]

Thinking back to Jamal almost makes me want to draft another incredible RB in the first round (someone like Leonard Fournette, or Gurley in this recent draft). Those were the days of smash-mouth, slow, clock-draining, defense-laden football. Hope he gets into the HOF some day, although it'll be pretty tough.

[OzzieBisciotti]

Kind of funny, Byrne. I thought it was funny how the first two questions you asked Jamal Lewis were about Ray Lewis and the Ravens defense at the time.

As much as everyone loves Ray and likes to live in the glory days, we really have to move on from Ray Lewis. I know it's hard because we don't have an emotional, stud leader on the current team, but we just have to live outside of Ray's shadow- I thought it was a bit odd to dedicate your first two questions to Ray/ Balt Defense. No offense- I usually like your inside stories though, so keep trying.

[Fastynart]

We haven't had a running back like Jamal before or since. He was the go to guy on 3rd and 1 or 4th down. How many times have the Ravens failed on short yardage situations? It is ridiculous. They have no plan for them. Even Ray Rice, arguably the best back the Ravens have had since Jamal, couldn't do it. This year is no different. The offense has failed on almost all of those situations. Stuffed at the line. Jamal would have run over people.

[Ravens_Flock]

This team has had some great RBs, and a tradition of a strong running game, at least since 1998. Priest Holmes, Jamal Lewis, Chester Taylor, Willis McGahee, Ray Rice, now guys like Justin Forsett and hopefully Lorenzo Taliaferro. But Jamal is the greatest RB in Ravens history, period. 10,000 career yds., 58 career rushing TDs, a 2000 yd season, 2003 OPoY, Winning a SB as a rookie and being the only rookie RB in NFL history to have a 100 yd. game. The dude had a HoF worthy career, but who knows if he'll ever get in someday.

[RavensFootballFan]

Loved watching Jamal back in those days. He gave it his all and then some. I was sad when he no longer played for the Ravens. He is definitely one of top 10 Ravens of all times. Wish him the best in his pursue for success in life.