Baltimore, MD – June 25, 2025
Baltimore Ravens fans were stunned when a beloved veteran and longtime team leader announced his sudden retirement in 2022. Now, in a rare and emotional interview on 105.7 The Fan, the fan favorite has opened up about the pain and sacrifice behind his decision—leaving the Ravens community in tears.
The player, known for his relentless grit and locker-room leadership, spent the latter years of his NFL career battling chronic injuries while mentoring younger teammates. Despite receiving interest from other teams, he made it clear that he never wanted to wear another jersey. “I couldn’t imagine playing for anyone but the Ravens. If I wasn’t in Baltimore, I didn’t want to be anywhere,” he said, voice cracking. That loyalty, he added, mattered more than any contract or accolades.
That player is Anthony Levine Sr., special teams captain, defensive back, and one of the most respected voices inside the Ravens’ locker room. An undrafted free agent who joined Baltimore in 2012, Levine played 10 seasons with the team, appearing in 146 games and serving as the emotional glue of the roster. While he didn’t dominate highlight reels, his presence was felt in every film session, kickoff huddle, and sideline stand.
Levine battled persistent knee and back issues late in his career, which eventually led to his difficult decision to step away from the game. “My body was giving me signs, and I knew I had to listen,” he said. “It stopped being about competing and started being about survival.” In a surprising turn, Levine quietly transitioned to a player development role with the Ravens, mentoring the next generation from behind the scenes.
Despite the physical toll, Levine holds nothing but gratitude. “Baltimore is where I became a professional, a leader, a man. The Ravens gave me everything—and I tried to give them everything back.” Over the years, fans came to revere him not just for his play, but for his humility, his example, and his relentless commitment to the team-first ethos that defined Baltimore football.
Ravens Nation responded with an outpouring of love on X. “Levine was the heart of our special teams. True Raven. True warrior,” posted @RavensFlockZone. Another fan wrote, “He didn’t need stats. He was our Co-Cap—and we felt it every Sunday.” Many still remember his tone-setting tackles, his sideline speeches, and the way he celebrated teammates’ success as if it were his own.
Now 37, Levine has shifted his focus to coaching, family, and community mentorship. He continues to work with young athletes across Maryland, emphasizing resilience, discipline, and respect. “I may not have gotten the spotlight—but I got something better. I got to be a Raven,” he said.
As the Ravens set their sights on another Super Bowl push, the legacy of Anthony Levine Sr. lives on—in toughness, in unity, and in a city that never forgets those who gave everything for the shield.
Stay tuned to ESPN!
