Sports Radio Interviews

Ray Lewis Calls Rex Ryan His ‘Enemy’, Praises Mike Smith, Doesn’t Sweat Contracts

Ray Lewis is an excellent interview. Why? Because he’s Ray Freaking Lewis, that’s why. And because he goes on long, crazy-filled rants about stuff when you ask him questions. Although it’s funny to hear him Warner-up with the God talk, because his actions on the field seem to differ so greatly from that sort of religious talk.

But that’s not what’s important. What is that on 790 the Zone, he talked about Rex Ryan and how coaches don’t really matter in Baltimore (Rex is now his “enemy” obviously), he threw Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith some DAP and he pointed out that he doesn’t, hasn’t ever and will never sweat a contract. Good stuff.

On sweating his new contract with Baltimore:
“I didn’t have to sweat, all I had to do is just live. It’s easy. [laughs] It’s the same formula I’ve had – that’s my fourth contract – it’s the same formula I let play out. It always works out. God never makes a mistake and it always works out the way. His wi…it’s supposed to work out.”

On not talking about his contract:
“Never. Never. And I never will. And I know it’s a part of the business, but it’s not a part of why I play the game and it’s not a part of my legacy. My legacy is to be respected – when I walk off this field, I gave it everything I had, you know, every single play – and that’s my legacy. My legacy isn’t ‘I was able to negotiate this contract or that.’ Money fades, respect and legacy never fade.”

Ray Lewis on Rex Ryan, when to retire, winning a Super Bowl, and the full interview after the jump.

On knowing when it’s time to walk away:
“It’s different for everybody. Everybody has their own walk. My walk is simple: my walk is this is what I do. And when God say it’s time for me to walk away, I walk away. But it’s not something that I’ve ever even thought about.”

On his career without a Super Bowl ring:
“We can never go back. Because I don’t know how I would feel now, because that’s what you push for. I know, and I’m glad I’m not in that category [of people without a ring]. I’m blessed not to be in that category. I’m blessed to still be playing and always to have [a ring]. It’s just the way it is man, some people get it, some people don’t. And it just so happened, it was my time, it was our time when we went and got it and it takes care of itself most of the time. Whoever it is, whether it’s Dan Marino’s, those guys went at it full speed ahead and will still be regarded as one of the greatest to ever do this. Bottom line is, I know the ultimate prize is to touch that ring and touch that Lombardi, and I’m glad I touched it and that’s why I’m still in this business to touch it again.”

On filling Rex Ryan’s spot with the Ravens, what happens?
“The same thing that’s happened the last 10 years. I’ve had over eight defensive coordinators. Nothing stops. We keep it moving, that’s what Baltimore does. And as long as I’m in the middle, we going to always keep it moving, no matter who we lose. That’s the spirit around us and that spirit will never leave us no matter what coach comes in or what coach leaves. [Lists coaches.] Go do your thing, but nothing stops Baltimore from ticking. Nothing. And nothing changes. We are who we are. And that’s what’s made us so great for the last 13 years. We are who we are no matter what coach is in town. All of those coaches added a great, great credit to us. But none of those guys carried who we are. That spirit is always there. Rex, go have a great career with the Jets, but you are now our enemy.”

Listen to Ray Lewis on 790 the Zone (WQXI) in Atlanta with Morning Mayhem

Tags: Baltimore Ravens, Dan Marino, Mike Smith, Ray Lewis, Rex Ryan