WASHINGTON: The Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens visited the White House yesterday, but a gift of a jersey didn’t persuade US President Barack Obama to try linebacker Ray Lewis’s trademark dance.
Obama, who received a number 44 Ravens jersey with “Mr President” inscribed on the back, singled out future Hall of Famer Lewis, who joined former NFL greats John Elway, Jerome Bettis and Michael Strahan as players who were able to win a Super Bowl in their last season.
“Ray retired on top, coming back from a triceps injury, which I believe was caused by that dance he does,” the president quipped, a reference to the distinctive dance that delighted Baltimore fans.
“You got to do that... but -- no, I’m not doing that dance. It caused him to miss most of the regular season.”
Obama also mentioned Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Joe Flacco, the quarterback whose championship performance against the San Francisco 49ers in February helped him ink a six-year contract worth a reported $120.6m.
“Good timing with that contract up,” the president said, drawing a laugh. “That was some good timing.
“Capped off one of the greatest post-seasons ever by a quarterback -- more than 11,000 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, no interceptions,” Obama added. “I don’t know about you, Joe, but I would say that qualifies as ‘elite.’
“And I’d say that if you keep on playing like that, you’re going to challenge (Vice President Joe) Biden for the most popular person from Delaware.” AFP
