Former American professional football player Ray Lewis. Throughout his career, he was a member of the National Football League’s “Baltimore Ravens” squad. Lewis was a “middle linebacker,” which is the position he performed. While still in high school, he began playing football. He was a well-known player on the football squad at his university as well. Lewis was chosen as a first-round pick by the “Baltimore Ravens” to participate in the “National Football League” while still an undergraduate. Lewis, who played middle linebacker, is regarded as one of the greatest players in “NFL” history. Lewis was instrumental in his team’s win in “Super Bowl XXXV.” He is one of the select few athletes to have participated in three separate Pro Bowls. Even though he courted controversy throughout his tenure, American football fans still regard him as an icon.
Early Childhood & Life
Ray Ray Jenkins became Anthony Lewis on May 15, 1975, in Bartow, Florida. He is the oldest of his parents’ five offspring. Sunseria, Lewis’ mother, had just turned sixteen years old when he was born. During his early years, Elbert Ray Jackson, his father, was absent from the household.
Young Lewis had to look after his younger brothers because he was the oldest. Ray Jenkins changed his name to Ray Lewis after feeling let down by his father’s behavior. It was the name of the man who dated his mother. Keon Lattimore, Lewis’ younger sibling, is a well-known football player.
Lewis received his early schooling at “Kathleen High School”. During his time in school, he participated in both wrestling and sports. He enrolled at the “University of Miami” on a scholarship in 1992 and played for the “Miami Hurricanes” football squad.
Lewis helped his squad to some significant victories as a freshman. The “Freshmen All-American Team” included him. Lewis also performed admirably in his sophomore and junior years. Lewis was selected as the top linebacker’s runner-up for the “Butkus Award” during his junior year.
Ray Lewis’s Career
Ray Lewis proclaimed himself “NFL Draft eligible” in 1995 by giving up his last year of college eligibility. The “Baltimore Ravens” chose him in the first round. Lewis remained a part of this team until the very end of his professional tenure.
Lewis led his squad in tackles during his rookie season in 1996, and USA Today named him to its “All-Rookie Team Honor” list. Lewis recorded an “NFL-best” and a career-high 184 stops in 1997. He was given his first opportunity to play in the NFL’s Pro Bowl, an all-star contest. He recorded 11 pass deflections, an interception, a forced loss, and four sacks.
Lewis also gained admission into the “Pro Bowl” in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. He was chosen for the “Sporting News All-Pro Team” in 1998. Lewis was selected as the “NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year” in 1999. The honor was made based on votes cast by former “NFL” players.
Ray Lewis guided his squad to one of its biggest wins in 2000. The “Baltimore Ravens” established records for the fewest scores and rushing yards surrendered in a season of 16 games. The ‘Super Bowl XXV’ was won by the ‘Ravens’ in 2000. Lewis received two awards following the victory: “Super Bowl MVP” and “Defensive Player of the Year.”
Due to an arm injury in 2002, Lewis was only able to play in five games. Despite this, he still managed to make 58 tackles, good for fifth on the squad. Additionally, he was named the “AFC Defensive Player of the Week.” Due to his illness, he was not chosen for the “Pro Bowl,” though. 2003 was the season. Lewis was back in action and performed superbly on the pitch. The AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award was given to him. The honor of “NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year” was bestowed upon him.
Ray Lewis was put on reserve in the 2005 season due to illness. He recovered in 2006, and he helped his squad finish “NFL-best” in 14 important defensive categories. He was still plagued by injuries during this season. Despite being chosen for the “Pro Bowl,” he was forced to retire because of a hand injury.
Lewis accounted for the most tackles for his squad in the 2007 campaign. Throughout the full season, he recorded 120 tackles, two forced fumbles, and two sacks. His ninth entry into the “Pro Bowl” was won. Lewis had 117 tackles, and three interceptions, and helped his squad advance to the “AFC Championship Game” in 2008. For the sixth time in his career, he received an ‘Associated Press first-team All-Pro nomination.
Ray Lewis was chosen for the “Pro Bowl” three years in a row, in 2009, 2010, and 2011. He achieved the feat of having at least 30 interceptions and 30 tackles in his career in 2010, becoming only the second player in NFL history to do so. In 2011, Lewis made NFL history by becoming the first player to ever accumulate 40 tackles and 30 interceptions.
Lewis sustained a biceps injury in the year 2102. He declared in January 2013 that he would stop playing football following the “2013-213 NFL playoffs.” The “Super Bowl XLVII,” in which the “Ravens” beat the “San Francisco 49ers,” was his final contest for the “NFL.” Lewis withdrew from professional football after being selected to the “Pro Bowl” 13 times and winning numerous awards.
Ray’s Individual Life
Ray Lewis isn’t dating right now. Tatyana McCall, Kimberly Arnold, and Sharnika Kelly were his ex-girlfriends. Lewis is the father of six children—four boys and two girls—by four separate women. His son Ray Lewis III played football for Coastal Carolina and the University of Miami. Rayshad Lewis, his other son, is a football player for the “University of Maryland.”
Outside an Atlanta nightclub, Ray Lewis and his two friends were accused of a double homicide in 2000. Following the “Super Bowl” party, two guys were stabbed during a fight outside the club. Lewis’ murder charges were subsequently dropped, but he was still given a 12-month probationary period. The “NFL” fined Lewis $250,000 for his actions.
Lewis has spent his entire life participating in charitable endeavors. He established the “Ray Lewis 52 Foundation” to help economically disadvantaged members of society. Lewis received the “Act of Kindness” medal in recognition of his humanitarian efforts. Lewis’s book, “I Feel Like Going On Life, Game, and Glory,” was released in 2015.
Estimated Net Worth
The former American football defender Ray Lewis has a $30 million fortune. He played for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens for his full 17-year playing career. He received a salary alone of about $95 million throughout his tenure.