Ray Lewis Continues to Rock the NFL Store

Former Ravens' LB Ray Lewis is still in the Top 10 in jerseys sold in 2013, even though he's retired.

Former Ravens' LB Ray Lewis is still atop jersey sales in 2013.

NFL.com recently came out with the list of the Top 10 most sold jerseys up to this point in 2013, and Ray Lewis was #8 on that list. Of course, Lewis is retired, so why would people continue to buy his jersey?

Maybe it has something to do with him being one of the greatest defenders to ever pick up a football helmet and shoulder pads. Maybe it has something to do with him being one of the most dominant players on the 2012-13 Ravens Super Bowl team. Maybe it has something to do with the way he motivates, inspires, and brings fear into people all at the same time. Whatever the reason for the jersey sales, it's occurring, and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.

I, personally, only have one Ravens' jersey in my closet. That is Mr. Ray Lewis'. My mother also only has one Ravens' jersey in her closet. That is also Mr. Ray Lewis'.

One reason that everyone may have bought a Ray Lewis jersey in 2013 is because of the Colts-Ravens game in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs, just a few days after the announcement of his retirement. That was Ray's last game at M&T Bank Stadium, and every fan there knew it. All over the stadium there were Ray Lewis jerseys, most of which were purchased a day or so before the game, or some on the day of that game. That had to be what made the jersey sales skyrocket, but it still hasn't slowed down.

People still love Ray, even when he isn't playing football. Ray Lewis is one of the most idolized players, or former players, in the NFL. Kids look up to Lewis, many of which want to buy his jersey since he is their idol. My first jersey was a Ray Lewis jersey when I was 9-10 years old, and I now have it hanging on my wall, since it is too small to wear. As a kid, I looked up to and adored Ray Lewis, and I know I'm not the only kid that did/does.

When you think about it, it's not surprising that a guy like Ray Lewis is still in the Top 10 in jersey sales, even though he is retired. He was one of the faces of the NFL, he is a future Hall-of-Famer, and he is loved by many people all across the nation.

The list goes like this:

1. Colin Kaepernick
2. Russell Wilson
3. Robert Griffin III
4. Adrian Peterson
5. Peyton Manning
6. Ryan Tannehill
7. Tom Brady
8. Ray Lewis*
9. Aaron Rodgers
10. Brian Urlacher*

*Currently Retired

Although I'm not sure how a few of those guys are on that list, I still love that Ray Lewis is. I hope kids and adults continue to buy his jersey in the future, which I'm sure will happen. How could you not want to buy Ray Lewis' jersey?

Ray Lewis may be gone from the Ravens, but his presence in the sports world is just warming up. Ray Lewis will become an ESPN broadcaster in August, just 7 months after his retirement.

Ray Lewis may be #8 on the jersey-sale list, but he is #1 in Ravens Nation's heart.

IF YOU'RE INTERESTED...

Watch Ray Lewis- RISE: here.

Watch Ray Lewis- THE LEGEND ENDS: here.

Source: http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2013/7/22/4544558/ray-lewis-continues-to-rock-the-nfl-store

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