Lanham 1          

          T. Lanham

          Professor Kinnamon

          English 111.1

          8 February 2001

          Thesis: Ray Lewis is arguably the best middle linebacker in NFL history because of his charisma, his

          physical attributed, and his statistics.

          Introduction

          I. Charisma

              A. Off the field

              B. On the field

          II. Physical attributes

          III. Statistics

              A. Five-year career

              B. Current season

          Conclusion

Lanham 2          

     The National Football League (NFL) has seen some of the best athletes in the world play on its teams. Each position in football has its own standouts that take their game a level above everyone else. This elevation of the game has been no different in the last five years. And over those last five years, Ray Lewis has been one of the best players in the NFL. Lewis possesses the charisma, the physical attributes, and the statistics to be arguably the best middle linebacker in NFL history.
      One of the most attractive qualities of Ray Lewis is his charisma. . . .
      On the field, Lewis has charisma as well. . . .
      Aside from his charisma, Ray Lewis has to be one of the most physically gifted athletes ever to grace an NFL field. . . .
      Ray Lewis is also a statistical giant. He has compiled the best statistics for any linebacker in history over the first five years of his career. . . .
      Ray Lewis finished this season with one hundred sixty-eight tackles. This was third in the NFL. . . .
      What should be taken into consideration when trying to determine who is the best middle linebacker in NFL history? Are matters such as charisma, physical attributes, and statistics to be considered? If those are the determining factors for who is truly the best, then Ray Lewis should be named the best middle linebacker ever because in those categories he is second to none.