Ray Lewis to join ESPN as NFL analyst

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis will join ESPN as an NFL analyst. (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Fresh off a second career Super Bowl win, former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis announced Tuesday that he will join ESPN as an NFL analyst for radio and television broadcasts, effective Aug. 1.

The news was first reported Wednesday morning in a tweet from Richard Deitsch of SI.com.

The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and 12-time Pro Bowler will have a role on "Monday Night Countdown," "Sunday Night Countdown" and "SportsCenter." He will also contribute to Super Bowl coverage on the network.

Lewis, who retired from the NFL last season after 17 years in the league, said he is looking forward to working with his new teammates:

"I'm ready to bring the same level of passion to this next phase of my life as I brought to the field during my years as a player. I can't wait to work with my new teammates, many of whom I've already known for years."

John Wildhack, ESPN executive vice president of production, also issued a statement, saying fans will enjoy seeing Lewis as an analyst because of the "passion he always exudes for the game."

"Ray is a tremendous addition to our NFL roster and he will have an immediate impact on our coverage. One of the most accomplished players in NFL history, fans will be drawn to his knowledge, experience and, of course, the passion he always exudes for the game."