Ray Lewis spent his entire 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, and on Thursday, the franchise honored the legendary linebacker with a statue outside M&T Bank Stadium.

The Ravens drafted Lewis with the 26th pick in the 1996 NFL draft. He helped lead the team to two Super Bowls and was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXV. The 13-time Pro Bowler hung up his pads after leading the Ravens to a Super Bowl in the 2012-13 season.

The franchise inducted him into the Ravens' Ring of Honor last season. Now, he will live on forever in the form of a statue outside of the team's stadium.

There was a big crowd—which included Lewis' mother—on hand for the unveiling of the statue.

Lewis was joined on stage by members of the organization.

Ray Lewis arrives on stage with owner Steve Bisciotti. #Ravens pic.twitter.com/QnBO9geqx0

— Brian Bower (@sportguyRSR) September 4, 2014

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti had some very flattering words for his former star player.

Lewis addressed the crowd after the statue was unveiled.

No ceremony involving Lewis could be complete without him breaking out his signature dance, capping a very special day for him and the Ravens franchise.

[Twitter, Instagram]