Ray Lewis reportedly to sign with ESPN

NEW YORK, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- ESPN is close to signing a multiyear deal with Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, sources told SI.com.

Lewis, who announced Wednesday he will be retiring from the NFL at the end of his team's season, has been offered a role on ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown" program as well as appearances on other programs and ESPNRadio, SI.com reported Friday.

An ESPN representative declined to comment.

Lewis and his representatives from the William Morris Endeavor talent agency met with several NFL broadcast networks in recent weeks, SI.com said.

One of the linebacker's main requirements for a job was flexibility so he could attend games of his son, Ray Lewis III, who is joining the University of Miami's team as a freshman running back/defensive back, the report said.