Ray Lewis to retire after playoffs

OWINGS MILLS, Md. The Baltimore Ravens say Ray Lewis will retire after the playoffs.

The star linebacker told the team "This will be my last ride." He has been out since Oct. 14 with a triceps injury, but expects to play Sunday in the wild-card round against Indianapolis.

The 37-year-old Lewis says: "It is time for me to create a new legacy" after 17 NFL seasons.

Lewis was the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2000, when Baltimore won the Super Bowl title, and in 2003.

Lewis is a 13-time Pro Bowler, a seven-time First Team All-Pro and a Super Bowl MVP.

"Obviously he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer, we all know what he's done on and off the football field," said Colts coach Chuck Pagano, who used to coach Lewis in Baltimore. "Like everyone who's had an opportunity to be around the guy, we'll cherish that for the rest of our lives."

Says CBSSports.com's Will Brinson: "He's (pretty easily) arguably the greatest middle linebacker of all time."