Ray Lewis has agreed a multi-year contract to remain with the Baltimore Ravens.
Ravens re-sign veteran linebacker
Ray Lewis has agreed a multi-year contract to remain with the Baltimore Ravens, while the team also added the name of Pro Bowl centre Matt Birk to their roster.
Lewis, 33, had spent his entire 13-year NFL career in Baltimore before becoming a free agent last month.
But the linebacker will be returning to M&T Bank Stadium after negotiating a new deal. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
"From beginning to end as a Raven - Wow! To be with the same team with the same fans for an entire career, that doesn't happen in the NFL," Lewis said in a statement released by the team.
"The bottom line for me is that God always finishes first, and I prayed over this. Over the last six days, I took a backseat and waited to see what would happen.
Special area
"For me to be here in an area that has become so important to me and my family, that's special, very special.
"I don't think an athlete can have a greater legacy than to be able to stay in one place for an entire career. I feel so fortunate that the Ravens did what they had to do to make this happen.
"Thank you. My heart is with the Ravens. My heart is with Baltimore and the great fans. What can I say? Here we go!"
Lewis has been the leader of a superb Ravens defence throughout a stellar career that has included a Super Bowl victory in 2000 and 10 Pro Bowl appearances.
Baltimore were keen to keep hold of the veteran after losing another free agent linebacker, Bart Scott, and long-time defensive coordinator Rex Ryan to the New York Jets.
"This will allow Ray to finish his career as a Raven," general manager Ozzie Newsome said.
Birk buy
Meanwhile, the Ravens also enhanced their offensive line by signing Birk, a former Minnesota Vikings centre.
The six-time Pro Bowler played all of his previous 11 seasons with the Vikings but has now moved on to Baltimore.
"To add a player like Matt, who will also give us outstanding leadership, makes us a better team," head coach John Harbaugh said in the statement.
"We're not standing pat. We're moving forward and getting better."
