Ray Lewis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ray Lewis

Lewis in 2015
No. 52
Position:	Linebacker
Personal information
Born:	(1975-05-15) May 15, 1975 (age 50) Bartow, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school:	Kathleen (Lakeland, Florida)
College:	Miami (FL) (1993–1995)
NFL Draft:	1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26
Career history
Baltimore Ravens (1996)
Career highlights and awards
2× Super Bowl champion (XXXV, XLVII) Super Bowl MVP (XXXV) 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2000, 2003) 7× First-team All-Pro (1999–2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009) 3× Second-team All-Pro (1997, 1998, 2010) 13× Pro Bowl (1997–2001, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011) 3× NFL solo tackles leader (1997, 1999, 2001) 3× NFL combined tackles leader (1997, 1999, 2001) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor First-team All-American (1995) Third-team All-American (1994) NFL records Most career combined tackles: 2,059 Most career solo tackles: 1,568 Most solo tackles in a season: 156 (1997)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 2,059 Sacks: 41.5 Pass deflections: 67 Interceptions: 31 Forced fumbles: 17 Fumble recoveries: 20 Defensive touchdowns: 3
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. (born May 15, 1975) is a famous former football player. He played his entire 17-year career as a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens in the National Football League (NFL). Many people think he is one of the best linebackers ever.

Lewis played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. He was recognized as an All-American for his amazing skills.

The Ravens picked Lewis in the first round of the 1996 NFL draft. He was the last player from the team's first season to retire. Lewis quickly became a leader on defense. He led the team in tackles as a rookie. He led the Ravens in tackles 14 times during his career.

In 2000, Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He led the Ravens' defense, which set a record for fewest points allowed (165) in a 16-game season. They also allowed the fewest rushing yards (970). This amazing defense helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis was also named the Super Bowl MVP. He was the second linebacker to win this award.

Lewis won his second Defensive Player of the Year award in 2003. He was the sixth player to win this award multiple times. After an injury in 2012, Lewis returned for the playoffs. He helped the Ravens win his second Super Bowl victory in his final NFL game. On February 3, 2018, Lewis was chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This happened in his first year of being eligible.

During his time with the Ravens, Lewis made 2,059 total tackles and 1,568 solo tackles. Both of these are NFL records. Because of his many awards and great playing, Lewis is seen as the best middle linebacker in NFL history. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl 13 times. He was also named All-Pro 10 times. He is considered the greatest Baltimore Raven ever. Many also call him one of the greatest defensive players of all time.

Early Life and High School Football

Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. was born on May 15, 1975, in Bartow, Florida. He was the oldest of five children. His mother was 16 when he was born. His father was not around for most of his life. Lewis quickly became like the man of the house. He helped his younger siblings.

Lewis went to Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida. He was a star high school football player and wrestler. As a wrestler, Lewis won a state championship in Florida. In football, he was an All-American linebacker. He was known for his strong effort and instincts. Lewis later shared that he chose the number 52 jersey in his professional career because of a push-up routine he started. This routine helped him get stronger to protect his mother. His younger brother, Keon Lattimore, also played football at the University of Maryland.

College Football Career

Lewis attended the University of Miami. He played for the Miami Hurricanes football team. As a freshman, he quickly became a starter. He made 81 tackles and was named to the freshman All-American team.

In his second year, Lewis was named first-team All-American. He also earned All-Big East honors. He led the Big East conference with 153 tackles. His team had the best defense in the country.

Lewis had an even better junior year. He was again named to the All-American and All-Big East teams. He was also a runner-up for the Butkus Award. This award goes to the best linebacker in college football. Lewis finished his junior season with 160 tackles. This was the second-highest in University of Miami history.

Lewis led the Big East in tackles for his last two seasons. He had the fifth-most tackles in Miami history, even though he only played for three seasons.

After the 1995 season, Lewis decided to enter the NFL draft early. The Baltimore Ravens, who were a new team, picked Lewis 26th overall. He was the Ravens' second draft pick ever. Lewis later earned his college degree in Arts and Science in 2004.

Professional Football Career

1996: Rookie Season Highlights

Ray Lewis was considered the best inside linebacker in the 1996 NFL Draft. Scouts praised his speed, tackling, and intensity. They also noted his ability to cover passes. In his first game, Lewis had seven tackles and an interception. He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week. He led the Ravens with 110 tackles in his rookie year. He also had two and a half sacks and an interception. The Ravens finished the season with a 4–12 record.

1997: Leading the League in Tackles

In 1997, Lewis had an amazing season. He recorded an NFL-best and career-high 184 tackles. This included 156 solo tackles, which was a single-season record. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Lewis also had four sacks and an interception. The Ravens finished with a 6–9–1 record.

1998: Second Pro Bowl Selection

Lewis made his second trip to the Pro Bowl in 1998. He recorded 120 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions. He led the Ravens in tackles for the third year in a row. He was also named to The Sporting News All-Pro Team.

1999: Another All-Pro Season

In 1999, Lewis continued to dominate. He led the NFL with 165 tackles. He was named to his third straight Pro Bowl and the All-Pro first team. He also had three and a half sacks and three interceptions. Lewis won the NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year award.

2000: Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion

In 2000, Lewis led a defense that many call one of the greatest in NFL history. He finished the regular season with 137 tackles. The team set a record for fewest points allowed (165) and fewest rushing yards allowed (970). They also had four shutouts. Lewis earned a unanimous All-Pro selection and was named to the Pro Bowl.

In the playoffs, Lewis had key interceptions. He returned one for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans. He was named NFL Defensive Player of The Year. The Ravens won Super Bowl XXXV by beating the New York Giants 34–7. Lewis was named Super Bowl XXXV MVP for his outstanding play.

2001: Continued Dominance

In 2001, Lewis earned his fifth straight Pro Bowl selection. He led the NFL in tackles with 162. He also earned first-team All-Pro honors. He had a career-high 18 tackles in one game. The Ravens made the playoffs with a 10–6 record.

2002: Injury Shortens Season

In 2002, Lewis played only five games due to a shoulder injury. He still managed 58 tackles and two interceptions. His streak of five straight Pro Bowl selections ended because of the injury. The Ravens' defense struggled without him.

Lewis on the sidelines with the Baltimore Ravens, 2005

2003: Second Defensive Player of the Year Award

Lewis had an incredible comeback season in 2003. He was the top vote-getter for the AP All-Pro team. He won his second NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He was named to his sixth career Pro Bowl. Lewis finished with 161 tackles, six interceptions, and one touchdown. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Month for November.

2004: Another All-Pro Season

In 2004, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro again. He played 15 games and recorded 146 total tackles. He earned his seventh Pro Bowl nomination. The Ravens finished the season with a 9–7 record.

2005: Injury Again

Lewis's 2005 season was cut short by an injury in Week 6. He had 46 tackles and an interception before his season ended. The Ravens struggled to a 6–10 record.

2006: Leading the League's Best Defense

In 2006, Lewis led the Ravens defense to be the best in the NFL. They ranked first in 14 major defensive categories. Lewis missed two games but still had 103 tackles and a career-best five sacks. He was selected to the Pro Bowl but withdrew due to a hand injury.

Lewis (#52) brings down Willie Parker in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, 2006

2007: Ninth Pro Bowl

Despite the Ravens' 5–11 season, Lewis was the team's leading tackler. He recorded 16 tackles, recovered a fumble, and returned an interception for a touchdown in one game. He earned his ninth career Pro Bowl nomination. He finished the season with 120 tackles and two interceptions.

Lewis with the Baltimore Ravens, 2007

2008: AFC Championship Run

In 2008, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to the AFC Championship game. He had 117 tackles, three and a half sacks, and three interceptions. He was named a Pro Bowl starter for the tenth time. He was also named first-team All-Pro for the sixth time. After the season, he signed a new contract to stay with the Ravens.

Lewis with the Ravens facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, 2008

2009: Team of the Decade

In 2009, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro for the seventh time. He was also named to his 11th Pro Bowl. He led the AFC with 134 tackles. He was selected to the NFL's Team of the Decade (2000s). In one game, Lewis made a game-saving tackle on fourth down.

2010: Milestones and All-Pro

In 2010, Lewis was named second-team All-Pro for the third time. He was also named to his 12th Pro Bowl. He had 139 tackles and a defensive touchdown. On November 21, 2010, Lewis became only the second player in NFL history to have at least 30 interceptions and 30 sacks in his career. He achieved this faster than anyone else.

2011: Final Pro Bowl

In 2011, Lewis was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 3. He had a sack, a forced fumble, and ten solo tackles. He was named to his 13th and final Pro Bowl. He led the Ravens with 95 tackles despite missing four games. Lewis became the first player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions.

2012: Final Year and Second Super Bowl

Lewis at a post-Super Bowl XLVII celebration at M&T Bank Stadium, February 2013

Lewis suffered a torn triceps injury on October 14, 2012. He announced on January 2, 2013, that he would retire after the 2012–13 NFL playoffs.

He returned for the playoffs. He led the defense to a 24–9 win against the Indianapolis Colts. The Ravens then defeated the Denver Broncos in a thrilling double-overtime game. They also beat the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.

Lewis's final NFL game was Super Bowl XLVII. The Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34–31. Lewis led the NFL in tackles during the postseason with 51. He ended his career with a Super Bowl victory.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular Season Stats

Playoff Stats

Ray Lewis's Legacy in Football

Lewis' jersey exhibited at the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Throughout his career, Ray Lewis was known as a strong leader. He was an intimidating force at middle linebacker. He led his team in tackles in 12 of his 14 seasons. The Ravens' defense was incredibly tough. They did not allow any opponent to rush for 100 yards in 51 straight games.

Lewis was also a complete defender. His 31 interceptions rank fifth all-time among NFL linebackers. He is considered one of the most dominant linebackers in NFL history. A poll of NFL coaches once named him the most dominant player in the NFL.

The Ravens' owner, Steve Bisciotti, had a statue of Lewis built. It was unveiled on September 4, 2014. The statue stands in front of M&T Bank Stadium.

Lewis has been mentioned in TV shows like The Wire. He also appeared in films like The Rundown. He was featured in music videos, including "Just a Friend 2002" by Mario. Lewis appeared in TV ads for NFL Network, Reebok, and Under Armour. He was on the cover of Madden NFL 2005 video game. He was also featured in the NFL Network documentary series A Football Life. He was named to the NFL 100 All Time Team.

Other Work and Activities

Lewis opened a restaurant called Ray Lewis Full Moon Bar-B-Que in Baltimore. It operated from 2005 to 2008. He also had several national endorsements. In 2004, he was on the cover of the popular Madden NFL 2005 video game.

In 2006, Lewis tried to get involved in NASCAR racing. He formed S&L Racing, but his attempt to join NASCAR did not work out.

On March 13, 2013, Lewis joined ESPN as a football commentator. He worked there until 2016. In 2017, he was hired by Fox Sports 1.

Lewis competed on the TV show Lip Sync Battle in 2017. He won with performances of "Let's Stay Together" and "Hot in Herre". In August 2019, Lewis competed on Dancing with the Stars. He had to leave the show due to a foot injury.

Charitable Activities

Lewis has been very active in charity work. He started the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation. This group helps disadvantaged youth. The foundation has supported events like adopting families for the holidays. They also hold an annual celebrity auction and bowling tournament. All money raised helps the foundation's work.

Lewis has also worked to support disability sports. He received an "Act of Kindness" Award for his community work.

Awards and Achievements

Since his rookie year in 1996, Lewis has won many NFL awards. He was named Defensive Player of the Year twice (2000 and 2003). He also won Super Bowl MVP after Super Bowl XXXV in 2000. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times. This is a record for an inside/middle linebacker. He was also a seven-time AP First Team All-Pro player.

On May 11, 2010, a part of North Avenue in Baltimore was renamed "Ray Lewis Way." This was done to honor him and his charity work.

Lewis's career totals include 2,059 total tackles and 1,568 solo tackles. He also had 41.5 sacks and 31 interceptions. He led the NFL in tackles five times. His 10 total All-Pro selections are a record for an inside/middle linebacker.

Lewis was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. This was his first year of eligibility. He joined his former teammate Jonathan Ogden in the Hall of Fame. They were the Ravens' first two draft picks.

Personal Life

Ray Lewis is a Christian. His strong faith was featured in a Sports Illustrated story in 2006. He has six children, four boys and two girls.

His son, Ray III, played college football at the University of Miami and Coastal Carolina. Ray III later played indoor football. He passed away in June 2023 at age 28.

Another son, Rayshad, played college football at Utah State and the University of Maryland.

Michael Phelps, a famous swimmer from Baltimore, said Lewis helped him find his purpose. Phelps sought Lewis's advice before the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Lewis is a fan of the English soccer team Manchester City FC. In 2015, Lewis's autobiography, I Feel Like Going On: Life, Game, and Glory, was published.

See also

In Spanish: Ray Lewis para niños