"Ray Lewis, who has played 17 seasons for the Ravens and defined the team's defensive excellence, announced his decision to retire today, telling teammates that "this will be my last ride."

"I told them I just felt so much peace in where I am with my decision because of everything I've done in this league," Lewis said during the Ravens' media availability today with several of his teammates watching. "I've done it, man. There's no accolade that I don't have individually but I've never played the game for individual stats. I've only played the game to make my team be a better team."

Lewis added that "there is no reason for me to not play Sunday" in the Ravens' wild-card playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts at M&T Bank Stadium.