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Ray Lewis Statue Unveiled At M&T Bank Stadium

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— The passion and the dance we all know so well. Former Ravens player Ray Lewis is now immortalized in bronze outside the stadium where he's still a legend.

As Christie Ileto explains it was a big day for Baltimore and it's adding fuel to fans excitement already burning for the Ravens' season opener.

If you know the song and know his famous squirrel dance, Ray Lewis, a living legend is now immortalized outside M & T Bank Stadium.

"My heart says thank you!," Lewis said standing on a podium in front of thousands of fans.

His iconic pose is bronzed next to one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, Johnny Unitas.

"I cant thank him enough for everything he's done for me but also for the city," said 22-time Olympic Gold Medalist and Baltimore native Michael Phelps.

"How about that! Greatest Raven of all time, greatest middle linebacker of all time," said Umar Abdul-Hamid, an avid Ravens fan.

What better way for Ravens Nation to kick off their season Thursday night at Power Plant Live. Umar Abdul-Hamid says he's pumped for new faces and new weapons on the field this Sunday.

"Steve Smith! What??! What?? Steve Smith!," he shouted in excitement.

Fans agree. "Every year we're optimistic, but the players that we have, the defense that we have the offensive additions, I think its going to be a great season," said Ravens fan Patrick Ewing.

Fans are banking on a winning season and this year they have an extra good luck charm outside their house.

"Anytime you can walk past one of the greatest inspirational players of all time and see that, that's going to give you that emmph! That ummp! To Kick it into gear when you go into the stadium," said Abdul-Hamid.

The Ravens regular season kicks off Sunday at home against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals at 1:00 pm.

Related link: Watch the entire Ray Lewis statue unveiling ceremony here

Related link: View photo gallery of Ray Lewis statue unveiling ceremony

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