Ray Lewis was the most dominant, passionate, and inspirational linebacker of his generation in the National Football League.
Quarterbacks trembled in fear of him, while teammates revered him as the ultimate leader.
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He was the face of defense for the Baltimore Ravens and the NFL for 17 years (1996-12), making 13 Pro Bowls and seven first-team All-Pro selections. Lewis won two Super Bowls and earned Most Valuable Player honors in the 2001 Super Bowl versus the New York Giants.
He made the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, the Ravens’ Ring of Honor, and Pro Football Hall of Fame. When one of the greatest ever brings high remarks to a player, everyone must listen.
Lewis spent his college and pro careers sacking quarterbacks, but he sings Bryce Young’s praises. The sophomore became the Crimson Tide’s first Heisman Trophy winner at the position. He looks to deliver the team a College Football Playoff National Championship next week versus Georgia in Indianapolis. In an interview with CBS Sports HQ, Lewis compared Young to Russell Wilson.
“If you wanna watch somebody who’s playing the game and doing everything right, Bryce Young is the kid to watch.”@raylewis | @AlabamaFTBL pic.twitter.com/Xo6yDiCmkN
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) January 6, 2022
“Bryce Young reminds me of a young Russell Wilson,” Lewis said.
“He ain’t taking no hits, but when I tell you how his poise in the pocket and the way he scans the field … I mean this kid goes from one, two, three reads. You listen to how he speaks, how he understands the game, Bryce Young. If you want to watch somebody who’s playing the game and doing everything right, Bryce Young is the kid to watch.”
Young is receiving admiration from the greatest.
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He carries Alabama’s single-season records for passing yards (4,503), touchdown passes (46), total yards (4,546), and total touchdowns (49).
Young took home some individual awards, but now he wants a national championship.
He is excited for the rematch with the Bulldogs.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
