Ray Lewis is not one to suppress his emotions.
The Ravens legend drew the ire of countless internet observers on Sunday after displaying a heightened sense of competitiveness during the Pro Bowl flag football game.
Lewis screamed, shouted, and let it all out during the festivities, showcasing the warrior mentality he maintained throughout his Hall-of-Fame career. The fact that he was doing so during an exhibition game — one that greatly mimicked contests children participate in — added to the enjoyment of those on sight and those watching on through the lens of a television screen.
The scenario was befitting of an emotive response from the two-time Defensive Player of the Year. With 8:45 left in the second quarter of the AFC's clash with the NFC, Lewis — the AFC's defensive coordinator — dialed up a tricky blitz.
The NFC side and its hulking quarterback, Jalen Hurts, were staring at the barrel of a 4th-and-mid. Lewis sent Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen toward the line of scrimmage before sending him back into the flat. Concurrently, Pat Surtain II raced from his opposition marker to Hurts, taking a slight detour toward the right of the center.
He eventually reached the pocket, forcing Hurts into a rushed throw that landed steps short of the first down marker. Lewis was proud. Then, he was upset.
The referees had slung a jaundice package up into the sky, prompting Lewis to trek the length of the field to pick their brains a bit. Why was Surtain unable to romp into the pocket without a complaint? Officials had ruled the AFC's formation was, in fact, illicit.
Lewis' anger sparked comments from NFC signal-caller Hurts. The Pro Bowl QB responded with delight as Lewis streamed off the sideline and into the main action. He waved goodbye at this famous adversary as onlookers watched on. It was about as dramatic a scene as one could imagine at a flag football game.
A penalty on the AFC and Ray Lewis is incensed pic.twitter.com/5XzLO00iJH
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) February 4, 2024
The Pro Bowl may not be what it once was — just don't tell Lewis that, especially not when there's a potential piece of hardware on the table.
