Did Ray Lewis Ever Win the MVP?
By Keith Mado July 14, 2024 10:38
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Ray Lewis, a native of Bartow, Florida, was born on May 15, 1975. He played college football at the University of Miami from 1993-95 before being signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 1996. Lewis played his entire NFL career with the Ravens from 1996 to 2012. In this detailed examination, we will learn about the origin of Ray Lewis and his stats & achievements, Lewis' legacy, and MVP narrative.
Performance and Accolades
During his playing days, Ray Lewis racked up many honors and recognition. A 13-time Pro Bowler, he was named to the AP First-Team All-Pro seven times and earned three more nods as an AP Second-Team All-Pro. Lewis achieved All-Pro five times and was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 2000,02 &03, as well as earning a Super Bowl MVP for his stellar performance winning against the Giants in SB XXX.
Examining the NFL MVP Award
Ray Lewis had a very storied career, during which he won virtually every award imaginable, except for the NFL MVP award. The NFL MVP award is an annual honor given to the league's most valuable player, as voted upon by a panel of 50 sportswriters after the end of the regular season.
The MVP Award in Context
Over his career, some noteworthy players who won the award include quarterbacks Brett Favre, Kurt Warner, Dan Marino, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. However, the criteria for who receives the MVP award strongly favors an offensive player, usually a quarterback, due to their direct impact on whether his team won or lost. Lewis was a defensive player, and while his impact was indeed felt, its measurement did not follow the same statistical scrutiny that offensive players are generally held accountable for each season.
Ray Lewis Legacy and MVP Evaluation
Although he never won an MVP award, Ray left a lasting impact on the football game as one of the best to lace up.
While Ray Lewis had a Hall of Fame career and plenty of honors, he never once won the NFL MVP award. Yet, his impact on the game and status as both a Hall of Famer in waiting and a defensive stalwart should never be forgotten.
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