The ultimate defender — Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis has been the lifeblood of the Baltimore Ravens' defense for the past decade. But he might also be the NFL's most physically dominating player during the same span, an achievement that has earned him the 18th spot on the TODAY's list.

A seven-time Pro Bowler. The MVP of Super Bowl XXXV. The NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2003. Lewis has won nearly every major award for which he's eligible in his 11-year career.

Drafted with the 26th overall pick by Baltimore in the franchise's inaugural season, Lewis made an immediate impact as he was named to TODAY's all-rookie team in 1996. Named to the All-Pro team six times, Lewis has directed a Ravens defense that has consistently ranked near the top throughout his career.


RAVENS DEFENSE IN THE PAST SIX YEARS

Year
NFL rank

2006
First

2005
Fifth

2004
Sixth

2003
Third

2002
22nd*

2001
Second

*Lewis played in only five games with an injured shoulder

Lewis' signature season came in the Ravens' Super Bowl-winning campaign of 2000. His unit recorded four shutouts and set NFL marks for fewest rushing yards allowed and fewest points surrendered in a 16-game season. The defense then permitted just one touchdown in the postseason, when Baltimore outscored its opponents 95-23.

The Ravens linebacker is regarded as one of the most ferocious hitters in the league. "He wants to break someone in half each time he hits them," current Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller told about Lewis in 2004.

Lewis' passion — whether his fiery pre-game introductions ritual, the mean glare he wears onto the field or the intense focus he brings to his job — has been as much a hallmark of his career as his devastating tackles.

"A linebacker's job," he told in 2005, "is to knock out running backs, to knock out receivers, to chase the football."