Ravens defensive back Anthony Levine Sr., who earned the nickname “Co-Cap” with his unfailing devotion to special teams play and his mentoring of younger teammates, has announced his retirement from the NFL after 12 seasons.
He will remain with the organization as a scout and coaching assistant.
Levine, 34, played 10 seasons for the Ravens, beginning his stint with the team in the Super Bowl season of 2012. He occasionally filled a substantial role as a defensive back, most notably in 2017, when he finished with 29 tackles and three sacks, and 2018, when he finished with 28 tackles and eight passes defended. But he was better known for embracing a leadership role on the Ravens’ perennially excellent special teams. He finished with a franchise-record 62 tackles in coverage.
Ravens coach John Harbaugh has never hidden his affection for players such as Levine, who remained on the team through numerous roster change because of his willingness to take on unglamorous tasks. For example, he played just 31 defensive snaps but 402 special teams snaps in his final season.
“Tough, smart, persistent and dependable, Anthony represents the very best of what it means to be a Raven,” Harbaugh said in a statement Wednesday. “A relentless competitor and man of high character, Anthony poured every part of himself into the team. He worked tirelessly to become one of the NFL’s best special teams players, and he could always be relied upon to contribute at a high level on defense — no matter the role he was asked to play.”
General manager Eric DeCosta echoed Harbaugh’s thoughts: “Anthony Levine is one of those rare players who beat the odds and became one of the best special teamers in the league over a 10-year span. ‘Co-Cap’ epitomizes mental grit, physical toughness and intelligence, and he has an uncanny ability to rally others. He also excelled on every phase of special teams and contributed on defense as a safety, nickel, dime and many other important roles. Anthony is a forever Raven, as selfless as they come.”
Special teams coordinator Chris Horton recalled how Levine “terrorized opponents” who prepared to face the Ravens’ coverage units. “When reflecting on Anthony’s career, one thing we always talked about is that the tape is our resume,” Horton said. “When you saw No. 41 playing on tape, you knew he was gaining the appreciation of the 31 other teams who were watching.”
Former Ravens linebacker Zachary Orr noted Levine’s impact on several generations of young Ravens. “I know personally he took me underneath his wings as a rookie and helped me grow as a player and a man,” Orr wrote on Twitter.
On his own Twitter feed, Levine hinted at the announcement several hours before it was made, writing: “Good morning today is the day!”