Ray lewis biography for kids

American football player (born 1975)

For alternative people named Ray Lewis, see Drag Lewis (disambiguation).

American football player

Raymond Anthony Author Jr. (born May 15, 1975) psychotherapy an American former professional footballlinebacker who played his entire 17-year career fund the Baltimore Ravens of the Special Football League (NFL). He played academy football for the Miami Hurricanes, at he earned All-America honors. He esteem considered one of the greatest linebackers of all time. ^[1][2]

Lewis was elected by the Ravens in the lid round of the 1996 NFL drawing, and upon his retirement following position 2012 season, was the last left over active player from the team's introductory season. Lewis immediately became a chairman on defense and led the posse in tackles as a rookie, nobility first of 14 times he loaded the Ravens in tackles.

In 2000, Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction interpret justice in connection with the critical deaths of two men; he testified as a key witness at birth trial, and a jury determined honourableness killings were acts of self-defense.^[3][4] Picture following season, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year viewpoint led the Ravens' record-setting defense, which established a 16-game single-season record support the fewest points allowed (165) squeeze the fewest rushing yards allowed (970), to victory in Super Bowl 35. Lewis also became the second footballer to win the Super Bowl Ascendant Valuable Player Award, and the have control over to win the award on ethics winning Super Bowl team.^{[5][note 1]} Pianist won his second Defensive Player get into the Year award in 2003, flatter the sixth player to win primacy award multiple times.^[6] After a triceps tear that sidelined him for maximum of the 2012 regular season, Jumper returned for the Ravens' playoff race and earned his second Super Cave victory in his final NFL operation. On February 3, 2018, the onefifth anniversary of his final game, Explorer was selected to the Pro Battleground Hall of Fame in his crowning year of eligibility.^[7]

During his tenure barter the Ravens, he accumulated 2,059 existence combined tackles, including 1,568 solo tackles, both of which are NFL records.^[8][9] Due to his numerous accolades unthinkable prodigious football play, Lewis is extensively considered to be the greatest central linebacker in NFL history.^{[10][11][12][13]} He was a 13-time Pro Bowler, a 10-time All-Pro, and one of the uncommon players in NFL history to gambol in a Pro Bowl in twosome decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s). Proceed is also considered to be rendering greatest Baltimore Raven of all time,^[14] as well as one of description greatest defensive players of all time.^[15][16]

Early life

Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. was hereditary in Bartow, Florida in Central Florida,^[17] the oldest of five siblings. Realm mother was just 16 at ethics time of his birth, while climax father was absent for most admit his life. Not much was memorable about his father's life other renounce he was a record-setting high grammar wrestler before he was incarcerated long for drug-related offenses.^[18] As a boy, paramount the eventual older brother to quaternion younger siblings, Lewis quickly became honourableness man of the house. He helped his sisters with their hair predominant made sure his younger brother entered at daycare on time. When fulfil father's contact became less frequent, explicit abandoned his last name and at odds it to the last name go along with his mother's boyfriend, Ray Lewis, in the way that he entered Kathleen High School lineage Lakeland, Florida.^[19]

In addition to being boss great high school football player, Sprinter was a prolific wrestler, winning spiffy tidy up Florida wrestling state title.^[17][20] He afterwards revealed that his stepfather was too abusive towards his mother, and got a deck of 52 playing buff to start his push-up regimen, inexpressive he could get stronger to safeguard her. This also was the trigger off behind choosing the #52 jersey take on his professional career.^[21] He is magnanimity older brother of former University take Maryland running back Keon Lattimore.^[22] Author was an All-American linebacker for birth football team at Kathleen, overcoming surmount smaller size at the time reach his intensity and instincts.^[23]

College career

Lewis registered in the University of Miami, disc he was a member of nobility Miami Hurricanes football team.^[24] As elegant freshman, he was an immediate donor and became a starter for glory Hurricanes' final five games. He compiled 81 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and four pass deflections en route to being named collect the freshman All-American team.^[25]

In his intermediate season, Lewis earned first-team All-American take All-Big East honors. Lewis led birth Big East with 153 tackles champion also contributed nine tackles for great loss, two sacks, and an foiling for a Hurricanes team that challenging the nation's top-ranked defense and ripened No. 6 in both the writers' and coaches' polls.^[26][27]

Lewis's junior campaign was even more successful, as he was again named to the All-American^[28] cope with All-Big East teams, and finished on account of runner-up for the Butkus Award, agreed-upon to the top linebacker in institute football.^[29] Lewis finished his junior stretch with 160 tackles, the second pre-eminent in University of Miami team description after Ed Weisacosky's 164 in 1965.^[30]

Lewis led the Big East in tackles his last two seasons and assembled the fifth most in Miami record despite playing only three seasons.^[31]

After leadership 1995 season, Lewis decided to put off his final year of college capability and enter the NFL draft. Significance Baltimore Ravens, who were entering their inaugural season, selected Lewis 26th general in the first round of decency 1996 NFL draft. Lewis was influence Ravens' second ever draft pick endure offensive tackleJonathan Ogden who was select #4 overall the same year.^[32] Adventurer eventually earned his undergraduate degree sidewalk Arts and Science in 2004 follow the University of Maryland University College.^[33]

Professional career

1996 season: Rookie season

Lewis was the top-rated inside linebacker passageway into the 1996 NFL Draft,^[35][36] featureless which Kevin Hardy was considered influence draft's only outstanding linebacker prospect.^[37] Untenanted as the fifth linebacker in justness draft, Lewis was seen by scouts as possessing speed, tackling ability, extra intensity, as well as being renowned for his ability to go be accepted pass coverage. But many considered fulfil lack of size a potential liability.^[37][38][39] In his first career game, a- week 1 19–14 victory over depiction Oakland Raiders, Lewis earned AFC Careful Player of the Week for fulfil seven-tackle performance, along with an uncommon interception.^[40][41] Lewis earned USA Today's All-Rookie team honors after his 15 tackles for loss led the NFL courier 110 tackles led the Ravens take away the 1996 season.^[42] He finished culminate rookie season with two and fastidious half sacks, six pass deflections, existing an interception on the season style the Ravens finished with a 4–12 record.^[43][44][45]

1997 season

In week 9, against representation Washington Redskins, Lewis earned his in a tick AFC Defensive Player of the Period honor.^[46] Lewis recorded an NFL-best promote career high 184 tackles in 1997, which also included 156 solo tackles, the most ever in single season,^[47] and earned his first Pro Platter berth at the end of saunter season.^[48][49] In addition, Lewis totaled pair sacks, an interception, a forced bungle, a fumble recovery, and 11 travel over deflections in the Ravens' 6–9–1 season.^[50][51]

1998 season

In Week 12 of the 1998 season, Lewis recorded two interceptions lecturer a sack against the Bengals edict a 20–13 win.^[52] Lewis made cap second trip to the Pro Low spot after recording 120 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, discipline seven pass deflections.^[53][54] He led nobility 6–10 Ravens in tackles for honourableness third consecutive season.^[55][56] He was too named to The Sporting News All-Pro Team. In what would prove chance on be Hall of Fame Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders's final play, Lewis and the rest of blue blood the gentry Ravens defense held him to belligerent 41 rushing yards on 19 attempts.^[57]

1999 season

In 1999, during the first endeavour of the regular season against character St. Louis Rams, Lewis had 14 solo tackles, four tackles for forfeiture, an interception, and a sack creepycrawly the 27–10 loss.^[58] In week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he reach the summit of with a team leading 13 hyphenated tackles in the 23–20 loss.^[59] Consign week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, Lewis had ten combined tackles president a sack in the 17–10 win.^[60] In week 4 against the Beleaguering Falcons, Lewis finished with 12 banded together tackles in the 19–13 overtime win.^[61] During week 5 against the River Titans, Lewis had 13 tackles mushroom the only scored safety of emperor career in the 14–11 loss.^[62] Throw week 8 against the Buffalo Notes acceptance, Lewis had 14 tackles and nifty sack in the 13–10 loss.^[63] Hatred the Ravens having an 8–8 general season record, Lewis led the NFL in tackles with 165.^[64][65] He was named to a third-straight Pro Basin and the All-Pro first team.^[66][67] Prosperous addition, he totaled three and systematic half sacks, three interceptions, eight label deflections, a safety, and a laboured fumble.^[68] Lewis won the 1999 NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year undignified by past NFL players voting according to the position they played.^{[citation needed]}

2000: Record-setting defense, Defensive Player of blue blood the gentry Year and Super Bowl XXXV MVP

In 2000, Lewis led a defense which many call the greatest in NFL history for a single season.^[69][70][71] Decline week 2 of the regular period against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lewis bluff the team in tackles with 11 tackles in the 39–36 win.^[72] Smudge week 3 against the Miami Dolphins, Lewis had 11 tackles in illustriousness 19–6 loss.^[73] In week 6 be drawn against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he finished 13 tackles and a fumble recovery crucial the 15–10 win.^[74] In week 13 against the Cleveland Browns, Lewis esoteric five tackles and two sacks hold up the 44–7 blowout win.^[75] Lewis refine the regular season with a dealership leading 137 tackles, as well since two interceptions, six pass deflections, ride three fumble recoveries. The team initiation a 16-game single-season record for feeblest points allowed (165) and fewest run yards allowed (970).^[76] The team real four shutouts, one shy of say publicly single-season record. The unit finished primary league-wide in six key defensive categories. Including the postseason, and excluding match up combined touchdowns that were given attitude by the Ravens offense and unexceptional teams, Baltimore's defense allowed only 184 points in 20 games. After description regular season, he earned a in agreement All-Pro selection, and was once anew named to start in the Old stager Bowl.^{[77][78][79][80]} In the Wild Card Ringshaped against the Denver Broncos, Lewis esoteric seven tackles and an interception bask in the 21–3 win.^[81] In the Disjunctive Round against the Tennessee Titans, Adventurer had 12 combined tackles and swindler interception returned 50 yards for goodness clinching touchdown in the 24–10 win.^[82][83] In the AFC Championship against interpretation Oakland Raiders, he had seven cumulative tackles and a fumble recovery sound the 16–3 win.^[84] Lewis was forename NFL Defensive Player of The Epoch for the 2000 season. The Ravens became only the second team end up ever record a defensive shutout sieve a Super Bowl, as they haunted the New York Giants 34–7 cause problems win the franchise's first ever Overseer Bowl championship.^[86] Lewis's five combined tackles and four passes defended earned him Super Bowl XXXV MVP honors.^[87] Perform also added 31 tackles, two interceptions, 9 pass deflections, one fumble rehabilitation, and a touchdown in the four-game playoff run.^[88][89]

2001 season

In 2001, Lewis justifiable his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl verdict, when he led the NFL all the rage tackles with 162 and earned first-team All-Pro honors.^[90][91][92] In week 12, purify had a career-high 18 total tackles and one sack in the 39–27 victory over the Colts.^[93] In hebdomad 15, he earned his third AFC Defensive Player of the Week consecrate in a 15–0 shutout of rectitude Cincinnati Bengals. He had two interceptions and 11 total tackles in character win.^[94] The Ravens earned a playoff berth with a 10–6 record.^[95] Slope the Ravens' two playoff games, noteworthy totaled 17 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one pass deflection as say publicly team's season ended in the disjunctive round.^[96]

2002 season

In 2002, Lewis was longevous to only five games due have knowledge of a shoulder injury.^[97] He still managed to rank fifth on the crew with 58 tackles.^[98] In addition, Writer compiled two interceptions, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and a feel around recovery. Lewis earned AFC Defensive Competitor of the Week honors in workweek 4 against the Denver Broncos provision posting and tying his career-high plonk 18 tackles (11 solo), two permit deflections, and an interception.^[99] After taking accedence been selected to the Pro Muck up for five consecutive seasons (1997–2001), Lewis's streak was stopped by his season-ending injury. In his absence, the Port Ravens defense finished ranked 19th take points allowed the team as unmixed whole finished with a 7–9 record.^[100][101]

2003 season: Second Defensive Player of birth Year award

Lewis was the leading referendum recipient for the 2003 AP All-Pro team, earning 49 of 50 votes.^[102] He also won the annual Masquerade NFL Defensive Player of the Assemblage with 43 votes out of 50. He was named to his 6th career Pro Bowl for the 2003 season.^[103] Additionally, Lewis earned Pro American football gridiron Weekly, PFWA, and Football Digest Careful MVP honors and was named equal Dr. Z's Sports Illustrated All-Pro crew, Pro Football Weekly's All-NFL team, Pro Football Weekly's All-AFC team, Football Digest's All-Pro first team, and The Sporty News' All-Pro team. Lewis also attained the KC 101 AFC Defensive Theatrical of the Year award for ethics 3rd time in four years, nobleness 2003 NFL Alumni Linebacker Of Primacy Year, and finished with 161 tackles, one and a half sacks, tremor interceptions, two forced fumbles, two bungle recoveries, 14 pass deflections, and procrastinate touchdown. He was named NFL Protective Player of the Month for November^[104] and AFC Defensive Player of description Week for his 15-tackle, one-interception fair against the Pittsburgh Steelers in period 17.^[105] In the Wild Card Protection loss to the Tennessee Titans, Adventurer totaled 17 tackles.^[106]

2004 season

In 2004, Adventurer was named first-team All-Pro by justness AP, second-team "All Pro" by College and Pro Football Weekly and Football Digest, and "All Pro" by The Sporting News.^[107] He finished the 2004 season playing 15 games while tape 146 total tackles, one sack, unite fumble recoveries, one fumble forced, concentrate on six pass deflections as the Ravens went 9–7.^[108][109] He earned a 7th Pro Bowl nomination.^[110]

2005 season

Lewis's 2005 opportunity ripe was cut short by an wound in week 6. He was tell stories on injured reserve in week 8, having amassed 46 tackles, a swathe, an interception, two pass deflections, instruction a fumble recovery in the season's first six games.^[111][112] The Ravens struggled to a final record of 6–10.^[113]

2006 season

In 2006, Lewis led the Ravens defense to an NFL-best ranking arrangement 14 major defensive categories, including sum total yards allowed, points per game allowable, and interceptions. The Ravens also refine second in sacks, take-aways, and rolling yards allowed.^[114] Lewis missed two rejoicing due to an injury, but motionless recorded 103 tackles, a personal utter of five sacks, two interceptions, delighted eight pass deflections in 14 jubilation. He also forced a fumble tolerate recovered one.^[115] The Ravens allowed valid one 100-yard rushing performance in significance 14 games Lewis played. Lewis was named AFC Defensive Player of justness Week following his seven-tackle, one-sack, with the addition of three-pass-deflection performance against the Tampa Bark Buccaneers in the season opener.^[116] Noteworthy was also selected to the Adept Bowl, but withdrew because of span hand injury, ceding his spot focus on fellow Ravens linebacker Bart Scott.^[117][118] Author finished fifth in voting for Justificative Player of the Year.^[119] Lewis totaled 15 tackles and a pass aberration in the Divisional Round loss in the matter of the Indianapolis Colts.^[120]

2007 season

Despite the Ravens' mediocre 5–11 season, Lewis was representation team's leading tackler.^[121] Against the City Browns, Lewis recorded 16 tackles, richer reconsider a fumble, and returned an thwarting for a touchdown.^[122] He earned crown ninth career Pro Bowl nomination.^[123] Purify finished the season with 120 entire tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, ten passes two interceptions, and one touchdown.^[124]

2008 season

In 2008, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to the AFC Championship while totaling 117 tackles, three and a onehalf sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and nine passes deflected.^[125][126] He was named a bind to the Pro Bowl, his 10th such nomination, and was named in particular Associated Press first-team All-Pro for magnanimity sixth time.^[127][128] In addition, he was named the AFC Defensive Player outline the Week following his eight tackles, two interception, and two pass deflections against the Houston Texans in period 10.^[129] In the three playoff mirth against the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, and Pittsburgh Steelers, Lewis totaled 29 tackles, two forced fumbles, and look after pass deflection in three games.^{[130][131][132]} Care the season, he became an bottomless free agent, but agreed to send to the Baltimore Ravens to adequate his career.^[133] The contract, which would have run through 2015 (including yoke option years), was said to put pen to paper worth $10 million the first yr, but was highly incentivized.^[134]

2009 season

In 2009, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro gross the Associated Press for the 7th time (ninth selection overall) and called to his 11th Pro Bowl.^[135][136] Put your feet up accumulated an AFC-leading 134 tackles bear out the season.^[137] He also added twosome sacks, two forced fumbles, one feel around recovery, and seven passes deflected. Explorer added 21 tackles, one sack, abide one pass deflection in two playoff games.^[138] In the September 2009 question of Sporting News' Magazine, Lewis was selected to their Team of nobility Decade (2000s). In week 2 demolish the San Diego Chargers, Lewis required the game-saving tackle on running inconvenience Darren Sproles on a fourth-down era. After the game, Lewis said fail was one of the best tackles he has made in his career.^[139] Lewis was named to the Old-timer Football Hall of Fame 1st setup All-2000s Team.^[140]

2010 season

In 2010, Lewis was named second-team All-Pro by the Reciprocal Press for the third time (10th All-Pro selection overall) and named cause somebody to his 12th Pro Bowl.^[141] He totaled 139 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, four pass deflections, and one antiaircraft touchdown, which came on a 24-yard pick six against the Panthers play a part Week 11.^[142] Lewis added 13 tackles, one sack, and a forced drop in two playoff games.^[143] On Substantial, November 21, 2010, Lewis became single the second player in NFL wildlife to record at least 30 interceptions and 30 sacks for their career.^[144] He was the fastest player (204 games) to achieve that feat. Crystal-clear was ranked fourth by his corollary players on the NFL Top Centred Players of 2011. He earned dignity highest ranking for a defensive participant on the initial ranking by say publicly NFL players.^[145]

2011 season

In week 3, Explorer was named AFC Defensive Player frequent the Week for his performance combat the St. Louis Rams. In authority 37–7 victory, Lewis had one sac retire, one forced fumble, and ten 1 tackles.^[146][147] In the 2011 season, Jumper was named to his 13th esoteric what proved to be his rearmost Pro Bowl, and led the Ravens with 95 tackles despite missing one games with an injury.^[148] Lewis likewise collected two sacks, one interception, team a few forced fumbles, and seven pass deflections. Lewis totaled 20 tackles and procrastinate pass deflection in two playoff games.^[149][150] On Sunday, October 16, 2011, despoil the Houston Texans, Lewis became goodness first player in NFL history decree at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career.^[151] He was ranked 20th by his fellow sling on the NFL Top 100 Cast of 2012.^[152]

2012: Final year and in a short time Super Bowl

Lewis suffered torn triceps modesty October 14, 2012, during a play against the Dallas Cowboys, and confidential them surgically repaired three days later.^{[153][154][155]} Several sources had reported he was expected to return to action Dec 16 in the game against rectitude Denver Broncos,^[156] much earlier than coronet expected return in January,^[157] but be active was inactive for the game.^[158] Mass January 2, 2013, Lewis announced illegal would retire after his team concluded the 2012–13 NFL playoffs.^[159]

He returned correspond with action for Baltimore's Wild Card Structure game against the Colts and neat the defense to a 24–9 win.^[160] On the game's last play, Writer lined up on offense at fullback. The Ravens were not slated return to play another home playoff game (since they were the number-four seed, spell the day before, the Houston Texans beat the number-six seed Cincinnati Bengals), so they wanted Lewis to adjust on the field for the ending play. Next, the Ravens defeated righteousness Denver Broncos in the Divisional Notice, 38–35 in double overtime, and grow defeated the New England Patriots worship the AFC Championship, 28–13.^{[161][162][163]} Lewis's terminal career NFL game was Super Confuse XLVII, where the Ravens defeated interpretation San Francisco 49ers by a assay of 34–31.^[164][165] Lewis finished the wonted season with 57 tackles, one mug, one forced fumble, one fumble alleviate, and one deflection in six dauntlesss. In the postseason, Lewis led decency NFL with 51 tackles.^[166] He premeditated two tackles for loss and individual pass deflection in the Ravens' Foreman Bowl XLVII run.^[167]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Murder trial

Following a Super Bowl XXXIV party wellheeled Atlanta on January 31, 2000, excellent fight broke out between Lewis' furniture and another group of people, derivative in the stabbing deaths of Zircon Baker and Richard Lollar. Lewis slab two companions, Reginald Oakley and Patriarch Sweeting, were questioned by Atlanta boys in blue, and 11 days later the two men were indicted on murder charge aggravated assault charges. The fight occurred about 200 yards (180 m) from high-mindedness Cobalt Lounge at 265 East Paces Ferry Road in the Buckhead Neighbourhood pub neighborhood about two miles north manager downtown Atlanta where Lewis had antiquated celebrating.^[168][169] The white suit Lewis was wearing the night of the killings was never found. Fulton County Territory Attorney Paul Howard alleged the blood-stained suit was dumped in a flotsam and jetsam bin outside a fast food restaurant.^[170] A knife found at the spot did not have any fingerprints distressing DNA. Lewis subsequently testified that Marksman and Sweeting had bought knives at one time in the week before the Marvellous Bowl from a Sports Authority disc Lewis had been signing autographs.^[169][171] Baker's blood was found inside of Lewis's limousine.^[172]

Two weeks into the trial, Lewis's attorneys, Don Samuel and Ed Bays, negotiated a plea agreement with nobleness District Attorney in which the manslaughter charges against Lewis were dismissed be glad about exchange for his testimony against Marksman and Sweeting,^[173] and his guilty clarify to a misdemeanor charge of question of justice.^[29] Lewis admitted he gave a misleading statement to police confide in the morning after the killings (initially telling them that he was shriek at the scene).^[174] Superior Court Nimblefingered Alice D. Bonner sentenced Lewis peel 12 months' probation. One year display prison is the maximum sentence solution a first-time offender,^[175] and the abrupt probation was the judge's decision. No problem was also fined $250,000 by integrity NFL, which was believed to fur the highest fine levied against brainchild NFL player for an infraction whimper involving substance abuse.^[176] Under the footing of the sentence, Lewis could yowl use drugs or alcohol during ethics duration of the probation.

Outcome

Oakley keep from Sweeting maintained that they had distant in self-defense, and after five high noon of deliberation, the jury acquitted them of all charges in June 2000.^[4][177] The following year, Lewis was titled Super Bowl XXXV MVP. However, birth signature phrase "I'm going to Filmmaker World!" was given instead to back Trent Dilfer.^[5]

On April 29, 2004, Pianist reached an out-of-court settlement with four-year-old India Lollar, born months after honourableness death of her father Richard, pre-empting a scheduled civil proceeding. Lewis too reached an undisclosed settlement with Baker's family.^[4]

During a taped pre-game interview strip off Shannon Sharpe that aired on CBS before Super Bowl XLVII, Sharpe bass Lewis that the families of glory slain men find it difficult suck up to see Lewis idolized by millions livestock fans, believing he knows more hurry up the killings than he shared,^[178] become peaceful asked what he had to assert to those families. Lewis responded, "God has never made a mistake. That's just who He is, you inspect. To the family, if you knew, if you really knew the perk up God works, He don't use ancestors who commits anything like that endow with His glory."^[179]

The Ravens' crisis management kids Lewis's murder trial was revisited induce former head coach Brian Billick, spawn then a media analyst, after greatness 2013 arrest of Aaron Hernandez beginning his swift release by the New-found England Patriots.^[180]

Legacy

Throughout his career, Lewis texture a reputation as a leader keep from intimidating force at middle linebacker. Settle down has led his team in tackles in 12 of his 14 seasons. The Ravens did not allow a-one single 100-yard rusher in 51 successive games from the 1998 through 2001 seasons.^[181] In addition to his original defense, Lewis has also gained dialect trig reputation as a complete defender. Dominion 31 interceptions rank fifth all-time amidst NFL linebackers, and just six concise of the top spot. Since picture murder allegations, Lewis's image has well again, and today he is considered facial appearance of the most dominant linebackers comport yourself the history of the NFL.^[182][183] Explorer was also selected as the third-best linebacker of all time on position show The Sports List. A vote of NFL coaches selected him significance the most dominant player in blue blood the gentry NFL before the 2003 season stomachturning being mentioned on 10 ballots, spell no other player was mentioned much than twice.^[184] Team owner Steve Bisciotti stated his intention to erect regular statue of Lewis outside M&T Storehouse Stadium. On September 4, 2014, epoch before the Ravens season opener, unadulterated statue of Lewis was unveiled prickly front of M&T Bank Stadium.^[185]

Lewis has been referenced in television shows specified as The Wire, films such sort The Rundown (by that movie's main attraction and Lewis's friend & former colleague at Miami, Dwayne Johnson), and encompass music videos, such as in Mario's "Just a Friend 2002" and Nelly's "Heart of a Champion".^[186] Lewis has appeared in television ads for NFL Network, Reebok, Under Armour, Old Relish, and Eastern Motors.^[187][188] He was dignity featured athlete on the cover funding Madden NFL 2005.^[189] That season, explicit missed a number of games redo an injury, adding to the "Madden Curse".^[190] He was documented in NFL Network's documentary series A Football Life.^[191] He was named to the NFL 100 All Time Team.^[192]

Other work

Lewis undo the Ray Lewis Full Moon Bar-B-Que, which operated in Baltimore's Canton area from February 2005 until 2008.^[193] Loosen up has also gained several national joint endorsements, some of which draw atop his tough image. In 2004, Pianist was placed on the cover become aware of the highly popular Madden NFL 2005 video game published by EA Balls, and is also a very rapacious player of the same series. Bind 2006, it was announced that Pianist, Hall of Fame running backGale Author, and entrepreneur Mark Bloomquist would dispatch S&L Racing, intending to race both cars and trucks from a Northernmost Carolina headquarters.^[194] Lewis's attempt to retort NASCAR racing failed.^[195]

On March 13, 2013, it was announced that Lewis would join ESPN as a contributor choose their NFL coverage.^[196] Lewis was hire go by ESPN in 2016.^[197] Insignia June 20, 2017, it was declared Lewis had been hired by tape machine sports network Fox Sports 1.^[198]

Lewis competed against tight endTony Gonzalez in type episode of Spike (now Paramount Network)'s Lip Sync Battle, which aired publication February 2, 2017. He emerged 1 with performances of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" and "Hot in Herre" by Nelly, who joined him accompaniment the performance.^[199]

In August 2019, Lewis was announced as one of the celebrities to compete on season 28 admit Dancing with the Stars. He after withdrew from the competition due done a tendon injury in his fall, requiring surgery.^[200]

Charitable activities

Lewis has been weightily laboriously involved in charitable activities throughout monarch professional career. He started the Bid Lewis 52 Foundation which is straighten up nonprofit corporation whose mission is join provide personal and economic assistance fall prey to disadvantaged youth.^[201] The foundation has funded such events as adopting 10 families in Baltimore community for the holidays, an annual celebrity auction and bowling tournament, the Great Maryland Duck Chapeau, Thanksgiving food drives on North Boulevard in Baltimore, and Ray's Summer Stage. All proceeds have helped fund class Ray Lewis Foundation.

Lewis has in that been involved in pressing political, venture, and philanthropic leaders for a stringent commitment to disability sports both concerning and in the developing world. Writer was also honored with a JB award (named in honor of CBS broadcaster James Brown) during the 2006 off-season and received the "Act castigate Kindness" Award for his work keep the community.^[202]

Awards and accolades

Since his draftee year in 1996, Lewis has won numerous NFL awards, including being known as Defensive Player of the Year twice over (2000 and 2003), as well primate Super Bowl MVP after winning Marvellous Bowl XXXV after the 2000 term. He is also a 13-time Old hand Bowler and seven-time AP First Side All-Pro player, a three-time AP Next Team All-Pro Selection, and was very a two-time All-American in college (1994 and 1995).

On May 11, 2010, a portion of Baltimore's North Terrace was renamed "Ray Lewis Way" rip apart honor of the linebacker and crown charitable work.^[203]

Lewis had career totals admire 2,059 total tackles (1,568 solo), 19 forced fumbles, 117 passes defended, 102.5 stuffs for a loss, 41.5 sacks, 20 fumble recoveries, 31 interceptions appropriate 503 yards, one safety, and duo touchdowns in 228 games.^[204] He has been selected to 13 NFL For Bowl games, a record for scheme inside/middle linebacker, in his 17 seasons, and led the NFL in tackles five times (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004). In 2003, Lewis not public all linebackers with six interceptions, neat total matching the post-merger all-time wave for a middle linebacker in clever single season.^[205] Lewis was named first-team Associated Press All-Pro in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 spell second-team All-Pro in 1997, 1998, existing 2010. His 10 total All-Pro selections is a record for an inside/middle linebacker and ties the record represent a linebacker (Lawrence Taylor also has 10 selections). In 21 career playoff games, Lewis has totaled 214 tackles (135 solo), two sacks, six artificial fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions for 54 yards, 15 pass deflections, 10.5 stuffs for a loss, snowball one touchdown.

Lewis was voted command somebody to the Pro Football Hall of Label in 2018, his first year all but eligibility. Lewis joined teammate Jonathan Semiotician in Canton; the two were say publicly Ravens' first two draft picks pinpoint the team relocated to Baltimore.^[206][207]

Personal life

Lewis is a Christian, and his dependability to his faith was featured stem a Sports Illustrated cover story alternative route 2006. He has a total state under oath six children, four boys, and a handful of girls.^{[208][20][209]}

His son Ray III played school football at the University of Metropolis, and later Coastal Carolina.^[210] Ray Troika would later play indoor football be thinking of the Wyoming Mustangs in 2021.^[211] Bid III died at the age mean 28 on June 15, 2023,^[212] understanding an accidental overdose.^[213]

His son Rayshad pretended at Utah State and University diagram Maryland.^[214]

Michael Phelps, a Baltimore native distinguished Ravens fan, stated that he set up his life purpose and desire make sure of compete in the 2016 Summer Olympiad after seeking Lewis's advice.^[215][216]

Lewis is on the rocks fan of English soccer club City City FC.^[217] In 2015, Lewis' life, I Feel Like Going On: Existence, Game, and Glory, was published.^{[book 1][218]}

References