Hey, you might have missed this story but Ray Lewis is going to retire. Yes, you can take a moment if you need it. I understand this will come as a complete shock to you.

All kidding aside, Lewis is one of the most revered players in the NFL right now, as you can tell by the outpouring from players, fans and coaches over the past couple of days. Here’s a look back at Lewis’ career through his football cards.
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It’s hard to imagine Ray Lewis as a college player. You have to go way back. If you want to feel old, consider Lewis was college teammates with Warren Sapp and The Rock.

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1999 Topps #137

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Lewis was selected to the AP All-Pro team for the first time in 1999. That seems weird, right? Like it should have happened earlier.

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2001 Upper Deck SP Authentic Fabric #RL

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This piece of cloth was ripped from the finger nails of a Giants offensive lineman who tried to hold him during Super Bowl XXXV. Just kidding. The Ravens wore white in that super bowl.

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2005 Leaf Rookies & Stars Crusade Materials Prime #C21

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This isn’t a piece of his jersey, but rather from the sweats he wore while he practice his dance moves through the night. (Yes, I must now keep my head on a swivel after that joke.)

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2011 Topps Chrome #2

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Football cards courtesy of the Beverly Hills Baseball Card Shop

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Follow Adam on Twitter @adamrank

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