Career Timeline of Ray Lewis: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 21, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ray Lewis made an impact.

Ray Lewis is a former American professional football linebacker renowned for his 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens. A standout player, he earned All-America honors at the University of Miami before becoming a cornerstone of the Ravens' defense. Widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, his leadership and impactful play defined an era of Baltimore football.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Decision to Enter NFL Draft

After the 1995 season, Lewis decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft.

1996: Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens

In 1996, Lewis was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL draft and immediately became a leader, leading the team in tackles as a rookie.

1996: Start of NFL Career and All-Rookie Honors

In 1996, Lewis was drafted into the NFL and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week in his first game. He also earned USA Today's All-Rookie team honors after leading the NFL with 15 tackles for loss.

1997: First Pro Bowl Berth

In 1997, Lewis recorded an NFL-best and career-high 184 tackles and earned his first Pro Bowl berth.

1998: Second Pro Bowl Selection

In 1998, Lewis made his second trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 120 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.

1999: NFL Tackling Leader and All-Pro Selection

In 1999, Lewis led the NFL in tackles with 165, was named to a third-straight Pro Bowl, and earned All-Pro first team honors.

2000: Guilty Plea and Super Bowl XXXV Victory

In 2000, Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. That same year, he also led the Baltimore Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XXXV.

2000: NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP

In 2000, Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of The Year. He also led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl XXXV victory and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.

2001: Fifth Consecutive Pro Bowl Selection and All-Pro Honors

In 2001, Lewis earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and earned first-team All-Pro honors, leading the NFL in tackles with 162.

2003: Second Defensive Player of the Year Award

In 2003, Lewis won his second Defensive Player of the Year award, making him the sixth player to achieve this multiple times.

2003: Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro Honors

In 2003, Lewis won the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and earned unanimous All-Pro honors. He was also named to his sixth career Pro Bowl.

2004: All-Pro Honors and Seventh Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2004, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro by the AP and earned a seventh Pro Bowl nomination.

2006: Led Ravens Defense and Pro Bowl Selection

In 2006, Lewis led the Ravens defense to a top NFL ranking in multiple categories and was selected to the Pro Bowl, though he later withdrew due to injury.

2008: AFC Championship and Tenth Pro Bowl Nomination

In 2008, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to the AFC Championship, earned his tenth Pro Bowl nomination, and was named an Associated Press first-team All-Pro for the sixth time.

September 2009: Game-Saving Tackle Against Chargers

In September 2009, Ray Lewis made a game-saving tackle on Darren Sproles during a game against the San Diego Chargers, which he considered one of the best tackles of his career.

May 11, 2010: Ray Lewis Way Dedication

On May 11, 2010, a portion of Baltimore's North Avenue was renamed "Ray Lewis Way" in honor of the linebacker and his charitable work.

November 21, 2010: Achieved 30 Interceptions and 30 Sacks

On November 21, 2010, Ray Lewis became only the second player in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 30 sacks for their career, achieving the feat in 204 games.

October 16, 2011: First Player with 40 Sacks and 30 Interceptions

On October 16, 2011, Ray Lewis became the first player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career, during a game against the Houston Texans.

2012: Second Super Bowl Win and Final Game

After returning from a triceps tear, in 2012 Lewis earned his second Super Bowl victory in his final NFL game.

2012: Retirement from the NFL

Following the 2012 season, Lewis retired from professional football. At the time of his retirement, he was the last remaining active player from the Baltimore Ravens' inaugural season.