Ray Lewis has credited Joe Flacco with leading the Baltimore Ravens to victory over the Denver Broncos on Saturday.
The quarterback threw for 331 yards and three touchdowns in the overtime win against the AFC's top seeds.
The linebacker, nicknamed 'The General' by his teammates, told the Ravens' website: "In the tunnel, I told him, 'You're the General now. Lead us to a victory. You will lead us today. I'm just here to facilitate things'.
"He grew up today. To watch what he did today is probably one of the greatest things that I'll always sit back and remember.
"To look into his eyes, he had something different about him today, and I just wanted to encourage it. I've always been a Joe Flacco fan. And I always will be."
Lewis has confirmed that this will be his last season in the NFL.
The Ravens will face the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.
Sian Cowper
