DWTS Contestant and NFL Legend Ray Lewis Exits the Show Due to Foot Injury

"Dancing with The Stars" lose another competitor to an unexpected injury. Former NFL legend, Ray Lewis has been forced to quit the show because of a foot injury.

"Dancing with the Stars" season 28 has been off to rocky start, because of injuries sustained by the shows competitors.

After experiencing severe pain throughout most of his practice sessions, Ray Lewis was forced to pull out the show due to a foot injury.

The results from an MRI conducted by his doctor forced him to quit the show. Announcing the news on his Instagram story he writes:

"My journey to the @dancingabc mirror ball came to an end today due to injuries sustained to my foot. Hate to see it end this way but a huge thank you to my partner @cherylburke, @ravens flock, and everyone else that supported me. I'll be back, stronger & better #noexcuses."

While practicing the "Cha Cha" with his dance partner, Cheryl Burke, he strained his foot, worsening an old injury on his tendon, he explains:

"In a game in 2010, I tore a tendon in my foot. And now, all of this dancing, all of this on your toes, I'm reliving a problem that I thought I'd never have to live again…This is probably one of the hardest decisions of my life. But right now, I gotta make sure that I don't damage something enough to where I can't walk."

The decision to leave the show has been particularly hard on Lewis, who admits that he has thoroughly enjoyed the experience and established strong bonds with her fellow competitors. Confirming the news of his injury, he writes:

"Not the ending I had hoped or worked for but that mirror ball wasn't in the plans for me. I can't say thank you enough for the support and love. Injuries have never stopped me before and certainly not now. I'll be back doing the squirrel dance soon enough. #TeamRAVENous."

Lewis and Burke recently survived elimination and made it the third week of the competition. She has spoken out about her partner's departure, saying:

"Dancing with Ray has meant so much to me. His positivity and dedication are admirable, and his smile is contagious. The hard work he put into every practice and performance is something only a true athlete could do. Being an athlete means pushing yourself past your limits."

Lewis' injury is the second incident on the show that has sent a contestant home. Just days before the premiere, supermodel Christie Brinkley shattered her arm when she tripped and fell over her dance partner's foot. Christie was replaced by her daughter Sailor Brinkley-Cook.