Report: Ray Lewis ‘On the Verge’ of Joining ESPN’s ‘Monday Night Countdown’ in Retirement

Football fans fretting about a future lack of Ray Lewis in their lives on NFL weekends need not worry.

Despite announcing his retirement less than 24 hours ago, the Ravens linebacker is “on the verge” of joining ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown as an analyst, according to Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch.

Lewis is reportedly close to signing a multi-year contract with the network, where he will have a “significant role” on the Monday night show in addition to appearing on other shows and ESPN Radio.

It’s no surprise that Lewis would be a hot commodity for a media job once he calls it a career, but according to Deitsch, the Ravens captain limited his options. Lewis reportedly wanted to be able to watch his son Ray Lewis III play at the University of Miami next fall, so the scheduling needs for a Sunday show on CBS or FOX would have been difficult.

A 12-time Pro Bowler, Lewis announced on Wednesday that this year would be his last one playing in the NFL.