Ray Lewis’ playing days — and days as an ESPN NFL analyst — are over, but he’s still finding ways to stir up controversy.
The former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, known for speaking his mind, did just that last week on the topic of quarterback Joe Flacco. In an appearance on FOX Sports 1’s “Speak For Yourself,” Lewis questioned Flacco’s passion for the game.
“There is something called talent, right?” Lewis said. “And you see it a dime a dozen. And then there’s something called being passionate about what you do. About really what you do. And being around it — gifted? Absolutely. Passionate about what he (does)? I’ve never seen that. I don’t know what that looks like.”
They’re interesting comments from Lewis, considering Flacco helped the linebacker win a Super Bowl in his final NFL season in 2012. Flacco apparently also was a bit perplexed.
“I’m not going to sit here and really talk too much about it,” Flacco said last Friday on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio. “It is what it is. Ray can think what he thinks. I’m here to lead these guys, keep us on top and keep us moving forward.”
Baltimore still is on top of the AFC North at 5-5 despite losing to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. And on Monday, Lewis decided to apologize to Flacco in the form of a two-and-a-half-minute speech from his car.
“Listen, from a man, you’ll never hear it again,” Lewis said. “Sorry for ever even calling out your name in the context of making you try to be anything that I am or anything that you’re not.”
We’re glad Lewis cleared that up, and the Ravens probably will be glad to not have former players unexpectedly call out their quarterback as they make a playoff push.
Thumbnail photo via Aaron Doster/USA TODAY Sports Images
