Report: Ray Lewis Declined Ravens’ Invite to Watch Season Opener From Sidelines

For once, Ray Lewis is choosing to excuse himself from the spotlight.

Lewis, who retired from the NFL after last year’s Super Bowl, was invited by the Ravens to join the team on the sideline for Thursday night’s season opener against the Broncos in Denver, according to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio (via Pro Football Talk).

The future Hall of Famer reportedly declined the invitation, however, saying that his focus is now on his family.

The only appearance Lewis will make at Mile High will be on the Jumbotron, which will show a video of former players from each of the 32 NFL teams counting down the final 32 seconds before kickoff. Lewis will be Baltimore’s representative in the video, while eight-time Pro Bowl tight end Shannon Sharpe will represent the Broncos.