FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Two cities have hoped to host the final game in the stomping, screaming, shoulder-checking 16-year NFL career of Ray Lewis.

Two cities have been disappointed by the Baltimore Ravens and the linebacker they call “Mufasa.” Nursing a surgically repaired right triceps, Lewis collected a team-high 14 tackles with nine in the first half as the Ravens defeated the New England Patriots 28-13 in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday night at Gillette Stadium.

Lewis thanked God and exchanged hugs with team owner Steve Bisciotti on the field and Michael Phelps in the locker room. “For Baltimore,” Lewis and the Olympic swimming legend agreed. And it was Lewis’ teammates who did all the roaring about their “Lion King.” “There’s no better leader,” linebacker Terrell Suggs said. “That’s Mufasa. He said this is his last ride, so we might as well make it special for him. He’s led us here. He busted his tail to get back and make a run with us, and we still have one more win to get.”

The linebacker, who announced his retirement at the onset of these playoffs, will play but one more game – Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, Feb. 3 in New Orleans. After Championship Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers stand between Lewis and a second title.