Ray Lewis

For others of the same name, see Ray Lewis (disambiguation).

Ray Lewis

refer to caption

Lewis in 2008
No. 52
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Date of birth: (1975-05-15) May 15, 1975
Place of birth: Bartow, Florida
Height: 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight: 240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school: Lakeland (FL) Kathleen
College: Miami (FL)
NFL Draft: 1996 / Round: 1 / Pick: 26
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Tackles: 2,055
Quarterback sacks: 41.5
Pass deflections: 67
Interceptions: 31
Forced fumbles: 17
Touchdowns: 3
Player stats at NFL.com

Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. (born May 15, 1975) is a former American football linebacker who played his entire 17-year career for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the University of Miami, and earned All-America honors. Drafted by the Ravens in the first round in 1996, Lewis was the last active player from the team's inaugural season.

Playing middle linebacker his entire career, Lewis is considered one of the greatest ever to play the position. Lewis was selected to 13 Pro Bowls and named an Associated Press All-Pro 10 times. He is also thought to be the greatest Baltimore Ravens player of all time.[1] He won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2003, becoming the sixth player to win the award multiple times.[2] Lewis was also the second linebacker to win the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award and the first to win the award on the winning Super Bowl team.[3] Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in connection with the stabbing deaths of two men in 2000.

After a triceps tear that sidelined him for most of the 2012–13 season, Lewis returned for the Ravens playoff run and a victory in Super Bowl XLVII.

On March 13, 2013, it was announced that Lewis would join ESPN as a contributor for their NFL coverage.[4]

Early life

Lewis was born in Bartow, Florida.[5] He is the older brother of former University of Maryland running back Keon Lattimore.[6] Lewis was an All-American linebacker and wrestling star at Kathleen High School in Lakeland.[5][7] His father was absent most of his life, which was a cycle through generations, but he was a record-setting high school wrestler before he was incarcerated for drug-related offenses.[8]

College career

Lewis enrolled in the University of Miami, where he was a member of the Miami Hurricanes football team. As a freshman, he was an immediate contributor and became a starter for the Hurricanes' final five games. He compiled 81 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and four pass deflections en route to being named to the freshman All-American team.

In his sophomore season, Lewis earned first-team All-American and All-Big East honors. Lewis led the Big East with 153 tackles and also contributed nine tackles for a loss, two sacks, and an interception for a Hurricanes team that had the nation's top-ranked defense and finished No. 6 in both the writers' and coaches' polls.[9]

Lewis's junior campaign was even more successful, as he was again named to the All-American[10] and All-Big East teams, and finished as runner-up for the Butkus Award, given to the top linebacker in college football.[11] Lewis finished his junior season with 160 tackles, the second highest in University of Miami team history after Ed Weisacosky's 164 in 1965. Lewis also totaled eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, four pass deflections and one touchdown. Against West Virginia University, Lewis contributed 15 tackles.

Lewis led the Big East in tackles his last two seasons and accumulated the fifth most in Miami history despite playing only three seasons.

After the 1995 season, Lewis decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft. The Baltimore Ravens, who were entering their inaugural season, selected Lewis 26th overall in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft. Lewis would become the Ravens second ever draft pick behind offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden who was selected #4 overall. Lewis eventually earned his undergraduate degree in Arts and Science in 2004 at the University of Maryland University College.[12]

Professional career

1996: Rookie year

Lewis was the top-rated inside linebacker heading into the 1996 NFL Draft,[13][14] in which Kevin Hardy was considered the draft's only outstanding linebacker prospect.[15] Taken as the fifth linebacker in the draft, Lewis was seen by scouts as possessing speed, tackling ability, and intensity, but many considered his lack of size a potential liability.[15][16][17] Lewis earned USA Today's All-Rookie team honors after his 15 tackles for loss led the NFL and 110 tackles led the Ravens in the 1996 season. He added two and a half sacks, six pass deflections, and an interception on the season.

1997

Lewis recorded an NFL-best and career high 184 tackles in 1997, second most ever in a season, and earned his first Pro Bowl berth at the end of that season. In addition, Lewis totaled four sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and 11 pass deflections.

1998

In 1998, Lewis made his second trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 120 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and seven pass deflections, leading the Ravens in tackles for the third consecutive season. He was also named to The Sporting News All-Pro Team. In what would prove to be Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders' final game, Lewis and the rest of the Ravens defense held him to just 41 rushing yards.[18]

1999

In 1999, Lewis led the NFL in tackles with 168. He was named to a third-straight Pro Bowl and the All-Pro first team. He also totaled three and a half sacks, three interceptions, eight pass deflections, a safety, and a forced fumble. Lewis won the 1999 NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year chosen by past NFL players voting according to the position they played.

2000: Record-setting defense and first Super Bowl run

In 2000, Lewis led a defense which many call the greatest in NFL history for a single season.[19][20][21] The team set a 16-game single-season record for fewest points allowed (165) and fewest rushing yards allowed (970). The team recorded four shutouts, one shy of the single-season record. The unit finished first league-wide in six key defensive categories. Lewis won Super Bowl XXXV MVP honors, Defensive Player of the Year honors, earned a unanimous All-Pro selection, and was once again named to start in the Pro Bowl. Lewis's regular-season total of 136 tackles once again led the Ravens, and Lewis added 31 tackles, two interceptions, 9 pass deflections, one fumble recovery and a touchdown in the four-game playoff run.

2001

In 2001, Lewis earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection, when he led the NFL in tackles with 162 and earned first-team All-Pro honors. Lewis scored a touchdown in the 2002 Pro Bowl. In the Raven's two playoff games, he totaled 17 tackles, three forced fumbles, and one pass deflection.

2002

In 2002, Lewis was limited to only five games due to a shoulder injury. He still managed to rank fifth on the team with 58 tackles. In addition, Lewis compiled two interceptions, two pass deflections, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Lewis earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 4 vs. the Denver Broncos after posting 18 tackles (11 solo), two pass deflections and an interception on "Monday Night Football".[22] After having been selected to the Pro Bowl for five consecutive seasons (1997–2001), Lewis's streak was stopped by his season-ending injury. In his absence, the Baltimore Ravens defense would finish ranked 19th in points allowed.

Lewis roaming the sidelines in a 2005 game at Ford Field in Detroit

2003

Lewis was the leading vote recipient for the 2003 AP All-Pro team, earning 49 of 50 votes. He also won the annual AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year with 43 votes out of 50. Additionally, Lewis earned Pro Football Weekly, PFWA and Football Digest Defensive MVP honors and was named to Dr. Z's Sports Illustrated All-Pro team, Pro Football Weekly's All-NFL team, Pro Football Weekly's All-AFC team, Football Digest's All-Pro first team, and The Sporting News' All-Pro team. Lewis also earned the KC 101 AFC Defensive Player of the Year award for the 3rd time in four years, the 2003 NFL Alumni Linebacker Of The Year, and finished with 161 tackles, one and a half sacks, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 14 pass deflections, and one touchdown. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Month for November[23] and AFC Defensive Player of the week for his 15-tackle, one-interception performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 17.[24] In the playoffs, Lewis totaled 17 tackles.

2004

In 2004, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro by the AP, second-team "All Pro" by College and Pro Football Weekly and Football Digest, and "All Pro" by The Sporting News. He finished the season with 146 total tackles, one sack, two fumble recoveries, one fumble forced, and six pass deflections.

2005

Lewis's 2005 season was cut short by a week-6 injury. He was placed on injury reserve in week 8, having amassed 46 tackles, a sack, an interception, 2 pass deflections, and a fumble recovery in the season's first six games.

2006

In 2006, Lewis led the Ravens defense to an NFL-best ranking in 14 major defensive categories, including total yards allowed, points per game allowed, and interceptions. The Ravens also finished second in sacks, take-aways, and rushing yards allowed. Lewis missed two games due to an injury, but still recorded 103 tackles, a personal best of five sacks, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections in 14 games. He also forced a fumble and recovered one. The Ravens allowed just one 100-yard rushing performance in the 14 games Lewis played. Lewis was named AFC Defensive Player of the week following his seven-tackle, one-sack, and three-pass-deflection performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week 1.[25] He was also selected to the Pro Bowl, but withdrew because of a hand injury, ceding his spot to fellow Ravens linebacker Bart Scott.[26] Lewis finished fifth in voting for Defensive Player of the Year.[27] Lewis totaled 15 tackles and a pass deflection in the playoffs.

2007

Lewis during a 2007 game vs. the Cleveland Browns
Lewis during a charity event

Despite the Baltimore Ravens' mediocre 2007 season, Ray Lewis was the team's leading tackler. Against the Browns, Lewis recorded 16 tackles, recovered a fumble, and returned an interception for a touchdown. He also earned his 9th Pro Bowl nod in his 12-year career. He finished the season with 120 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 10 passes deflected, two interceptions and one touchdown.

2008

In 2008, Lewis led the Ravens to the AFC Championship game while totaling 117 tackles, three and a half sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 9 passes deflected. He was named a starter to the Pro Bowl (his 10th) and was named an Associated Press first-team All-Pro for the sixth time. In addition, he was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week following his eight tackles, two interception, and two pass deflections against the Houston Texans in week 10. In the playoffs, Lewis totaled 29 tackles, two forced fumbles, and one pass deflection in three games. After the season, he became an unrestricted free agent, but agreed to return to the Baltimore Ravens to complete his career. The contract, which runs through 2015 (including two option years), is said to be worth $10 million the first year, but is highly incentivized.[28]

2009

In 2009, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the seventh time (9th selection overall) and named to his 11th Pro Bowl. He accumulated an AFC-leading 134 tackles on the season. He also added three sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and seven passes deflected. Lewis added 21 tackles, one sack, and one pass deflection in two playoff games. In the September 2009 issue of Sporting News' Magazine, Lewis was selected to their Team of the Decade (2000s). In week 2 in 2009 against the Chargers, Lewis made the game-saving tackle on Darren Sproles. After the game, Lewis said it was one of the best tackles he has made in his career.[29]

2010

In 2010, Lewis was named second-team All-Pro by the Associated Press for the third time (10th All-Pro selection overall) and named to his 12th Pro Bowl. He totaled 139 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, four pass deflections, and one touchdown. Lewis added 13 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble in two playoff games. On Sunday, November 21, 2010, Lewis became only the second player in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 30 sacks in his career (the other being Rodney Harrison). He is also currently the fastest player (204 games) to achieve that feat.

2011

In 2011, Lewis was named to his 13th and what proved to be his final Pro Bowl, and led the Ravens with 95 tackles despite missing four games with an injury. Lewis also collected two sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, and seven pass deflections. Lewis totaled 20 tackles and one pass deflection in two playoff games. On Sunday, October 16, 2011, Lewis became the first player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career.[30]

2012: Final year and second Super Bowl

Lewis suffered torn triceps on October 14, 2012 during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, and had them surgically repaired three days later.[31] Sports Illustrated reported that Lewis inquired with an alternative Sports Medicine Lab about treating the injury with Deer Antler Spray, which contains a substance banned by the NFL.[32][33] Several sources had reported he was expected to return to action December 16 in the game against the Denver Broncos,[34] much earlier than his expected return in January,[35] but he was inactive for the game.[36] On January 2, 2013, Lewis announced he will retire after his team finishes the 2012–13 NFL playoffs.[37]

He returned to action for Baltimore's January 6, 2013 game against the Colts and led the defense to a 24–9 win. On the game's last play, Lewis lined up on offense at fullback. The Ravens were not slated to play another home playoff game (since they were the number-four seed), so they wanted Lewis to be on the field for the final play. Next, the Ravens defeated the Denver Broncos in the divisional round, 38–35 in double overtime, and then defeated the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, 28–13.[38] Lewis's final career NFL game was Super Bowl XLVII, where the Ravens defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34–31.[39] Lewis finished the regular season with 57 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 pass deflection in 6 games. In the postseason, Lewis led the NFL with 51 tackles. He also contributed 2 tackles for loss and 1 pass deflection in the Super Bowl run.

Career statistics

Career statistics Tackles Sacks Interceptions Other
Season Team Games Solo Ast Total Sack YdsL Int Yds IntTD DefTD FFum FRec PD Safety
1996 BAL 14 95 15 110 2.5 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
1997 BAL 16 156 28 184 4.0 27 1 18 0 0 1 1 10 0
1998 BAL 14 101 19 120 3.0 14 2 25 0 0 1 0 7 0
1999 BAL 16 131 37 168 3.5 21 3 97 0 0 0 0 8 1
2000 BAL 16 108 30 138 3.0 33 2 1 0 0 0 3 6 0
2001 BAL 16 114 48 162 3.5 26 3 115 0 0 1 1 10 0
2002 BAL 5 43 15 58 0.0 0 2 4 0 0 1 1 3 0
2003 BAL 16 121 42 163 1.5 11 6 99 1 1 2 2 14 0
2004 BAL 15 101 46 147 1.0 9 0 0 0 0 1 2 6 0
2005 BAL 6 38 8 46 1.0 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
2006 BAL 14 80 23 103 5.0 37 2 27 0 0 1 1 8 0
2007 BAL 14 83 38 121 2.0 7 2 35 1 1 2 1 10 0
2008 BAL 16 84 33 117 3.5 33 3 43 0 0 2 2 9 0
2009 BAL 16 94 39 133 3.0 16 0 9 0 0 2 1 7 0
2010 BAL 16 102 37 139 2.0 8 2 26 1 1 2 3 4 0
2011 BAL 12 72 23 95 2 16 1 4 0 0 2 0 7 0
2012 BAL 6 44 13 57 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0
Career 228 1567 494 2061 41.5 266 31 503 3 3 19 20 117 1
Playoffs 21 135 79 214 2.0 17 2 54 1 1 6 1 15 0

Source, Retrieved on September 16, 2012

Source, Retrieved on September 16, 2012

Source, Retrieved on September 16, 2012

Murder trial

Following a Super Bowl XXXIV party in Atlanta on January 31, 2000, a fight broke out between Lewis and his companions and another group of people, resulting in the stabbing deaths of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar. Lewis and two companions, Reginald Oakley and Joseph Sweeting, were questioned by Atlanta police, and 11 days later the three men were indicted on murder and aggravated-assault charges. The fight occurred about 200 yards from the Cobalt Lounge at 265 East Paces Ferry Road in the Buckhead Village neighborhood about two miles north of downtown Atlanta where Lewis had been celebrating.[40][41] The white suit Lewis was wearing the night of the killings has never been found. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard alleged the blood-stained suit was dumped in a garbage bin outside a fast food restaurant.[42] A knife found at the scene did not have any fingerprints or DNA. Lewis subsequently testified that Oakley and Sweeting had bought knives earlier in Super Bowl week from a Sports Authority where Lewis had been signing autographs.[41][43] Baker's blood was found inside of Lewis's limousine.[44]

Two weeks into the trial Lewis's attorneys, Don Samuel and Ed Garland, negotiated a plea agreement with the District Attorney where the murder charges against Lewis were dismissed in exchange for his testimony against Oakley and Sweeting,[45] and his guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of obstruction of justice.[11] Lewis admitted he gave a misleading statement to police on the morning after the killings (initially telling them that he was not at the scene).[46] Superior Court Judge Alice D. Bonner sentenced Lewis to 12 months' probation. One year in prison is the maximum sentence for a first-time offender,[47] and the immediate probation was the judge's decision. He was also fined $250,000 by the NFL, which was believed to be the highest fine levied against an NFL player for an infraction not involving substance abuse.[48] Under the terms of the sentence, Lewis could not use drugs or alcohol during the duration of the probation.

Oakley and Sweeting were acquitted of the charges in June 2000.[49][50] No other suspects have ever been arrested for the incident.

The following year, Lewis was named Super Bowl XXXV MVP. However, the signature phrase "I'm going to Disney World!" was given instead to quarterback Trent Dilfer.[3]

On April 29, 2004, Lewis reached a settlement with four-year-old India Lollar, born months after the death of her father Richard, pre-empting a scheduled civil proceeding. Lewis also reached an undisclosed settlement with Baker's family.[49]

During a taped pre-game interview with Shannon Sharpe that aired on CBS before Super Bowl XLVII, Sharpe told Lewis that the families of the slain men find it difficult to see Lewis be idolized by millions of fans, believing he knows more about the killings than he shared.[51] “What would you like to say to the families?” Sharpe asked. Lewis said: "God has never made a mistake. That’s just who He is, you see.... To the family, if you knew, if you really knew the way God works, He don’t use people who commits anything like that for His glory.”[52]

The crisis-management case study of how the Ravens dealt with Ray Lewis during his murder trial was revisited by NFL.com analyst Brian Billick after the 2013 arrest and swift release of the New England Patriots' Aaron Hernandez.[53]

Legacy

Throughout his career, Lewis built a reputation as a leader and intimidating force at middle linebacker. He has led his team in tackles in 12 of his 14 seasons. The Ravens did not allow a single 100-yard rusher in 51 consecutive games from the 1998 through 2001 seasons. In addition to his run defense, Lewis has also gained a reputation as a complete defender. His 31 interceptions rank him 5th all-time among NFL linebackers, and just 6 short of the #1 spot. Since the murder allegations, Lewis's image has recovered, and today he is considered one of the most dominant linebackers in the history of the NFL.[12][54][55][56] Lewis was also selected as the third-best linebacker of all time on the show The Sports List. A poll of NFL coaches selected him as the most dominant player in the NFL before the 2003 season by being mentioned on 10 ballots, while no other player was mentioned more than twice.[57] Team owner Steve Bisciotti stated his intention to erect a statue of Lewis outside M&T Bank stadium.[58]

Lewis has been referenced in television shows such as The Wire, films such as The Rundown, and in music videos, such as in Mario's "Just a Friend 2002" and Nelly's "Heart of a Champion". Lewis has appeared in television ads for NFL Network, Reebok, Under Armour, Old Spice, and Eastern Motors. He was the featured athlete on the cover of Madden NFL 2005. That season, he missed a number of games to an injury, adding to the "Madden Curse". He was documented in NFL Network's documentary series A Football Life.[59]

Other work

Lewis opened the Ray Lewis Full Moon Bar-B-Que, which operated in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood from February 2005 until 2008.[60] He has also gained several national corporate endorsements, some of which draw upon his tough image. In 2004, Lewis was placed on the cover of the highly popular Madden NFL 2005 video game published by EA Sports, and is also a very avid player of the same series. In 2006, it was announced that Lewis, Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers, and entrepreneur Mark Bloomquist would form S&L Racing, intending to race both cars and trucks from a North Carolina headquarters.[61] The attempt to join NASCAR racing failed.[62]

Charitable activities

Lewis has been heavily involved in charitable activities throughout his professional career. He started the Ray Lewis 52 Foundation which is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to provide personal and economic assistance to disadvantaged youth. The foundation has funded such events as adopting 10 families in the Baltimore City community for the holidays, an annual celebrity auction and bowling tournament, the Great Maryland Duck Derby, Thanksgiving food drives on North Avenue in Baltimore, and Ray's Summer Days. All proceeds have helped fund the Ray Lewis Foundation.

Lewis has since been involved in pressing political, business, and philanthropic leaders for a stronger commitment to disability sports both here and in the developing world. Lewis was also honored with a JB award (named in honor of CBS broadcaster James Brown) during the 2006 off-season and received the "Act of Kindness" Award for his work in the community.[12]

Awards and accolades

Since his rookie year in 1996, Lewis has won numerous NFL awards, including being named Defensive Player of the Year twice (2000 and 2003), as well as Super Bowl MVP after winning Super Bowl XXXV after the 2000 season. He is also a 13-time Pro Bowler and seven-time AP First Team All-Pro player, a three-time AP Second Team All-Pro Selection, and was also a two-time All-American in college (1994 and 1995).

On May 11, 2010, a portion of Baltimore's North Avenue was renamed "Ray Lewis Way" in honor of the linebacker and his charitable work.[63]

Lewis had career totals of 2,061 total tackles (1,567 solo), 19 forced fumbles, 117 passes defended, 102.5 stuffs for a loss, 41.5 sacks, 20 fumble recoveries, 31 interceptions for 503 yards, one safety and three touchdowns in 228 games.[64] He has been selected to 13 NFL Pro Bowl games, a record for an inside/middle linebacker, in his 17 seasons, and led the NFL in tackles five times (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004). In 2003, Lewis led all linebackers with six interceptions, a total matching the post-merger all-time record for a middle linebacker in a single season.[65] Lewis was named first-team Associated Press All-Pro in 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2008, 2009 and second-team All-Pro in 1997, 1998, and 2010. His 10 total All-Pro selections is a record for an inside/middle linebacker and ties the record for a linebacker (Lawrence Taylor also has 10 selections). In 21 career playoff games, Lewis has totaled 214 tackles (135 solo), two sacks, six forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, two interceptions for 54 yards, 15 pass deflections, 10.5 stuffs for a loss, and one touchdown.

Personal life

Lewis is a Christian, and his commitment to his faith was featured in a Sports Illustrated cover story in 2006. He has a total of six children, four boys, and two girls with four different women.[66][7][67] His son, Ray Lewis III, played college football at Coastal Carolina.[68]

Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, found his life purpose and competed in the Olympic Games after seeking Lewis' advice.[69][70]

References

  1. ↑ "Lewis Bio". baltimoreravens.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-27. Retrieved 2007-08-16.
  2. ↑ "Lewis wins DPOY". espn.com. Retrieved 2007-08-16.
  3. 1 2 Associated Press (31 January 2001). "Endorsement exile: Disney, Wheaties among those passing on MVP Lewis". CNNSI.com.
  4. ↑ Hensley, Jamison (2 January 2013). "Ray Lewis to retire after season". ESPN.com.
  5. 1 2 "Ray Lewis NFL Bio". NFL. Retrieved 2010-10-08.
  6. ↑ "Player Bio: Keon Lattimore". CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  7. 1 2 Price, S.L. (13 November 2006). "The Gospel According To Ray". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
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  9. ↑ "Miami In the Polls". College Football Data Warehouse. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  10. ↑ Ralph Hickok (2010-01-27). "History – Football All-America Teams 1977–present". Hickok Sports.com. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  11. 1 2 "ESPN Classic – Lewis knows Super Bowl tragedy, triumph". Espn.go.com. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  12. 1 2 3 "FYI Online". Umuc.edu. 2004-06-28. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  13. ↑ Saraceno, Jon (April 16, 1996). "Picking is slim for teams needing linebackers, tackles". USA Today.
  14. ↑ Plaschke, Bill (April 19, 1996). "Rating the NFL Draft". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  15. 1 2 Marquez, Alex (April 18, 1996). "Illinois' Hardy only top linebacker in draft". Dayton Daily News.
  16. ↑ Mulhern, Tom (April 19, 1996). "Packers in desperate need for more depth at linebacker". The Capital Times. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  17. ↑ "NFL Draft: Top prospects // Defense". The Orange County Register. 20 April 1996. p. D15.
  18. ↑ "NFL Box Score for 12/27/1998". databaseFootball.com. 1998-12-27. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
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  41. 1 2 "CNNSI.com – 2000 Bloody Monday – Does NFL star Ray Lewis' arrest for murder taint the game? – Friday March 03, 2000 02:02 PM". Sportsillustrated.cnn.com. 2000-03-03. Retrieved 2013-01-30.
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  45. ↑ Morgan, Jon; Athans, Marego (2000-06-07). "Cognac, knives and fists".
  46. ↑ Yahoo! Sports: Ray Lewis, the shy, quiet kid from Connestee Street, dealing with the pain of ailing grandmother. January 28, 2013.
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  49. 1 2 "Ravens' Lewis reaches settlement with victim's daughter". Sportsline.com. 2004-05-02. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
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  52. ↑ Pierce, Scott (5 February 2013). "Pierce: CBS needs to waive Shannon Sharpe after Ray Lewis interview". Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
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  54. ↑ Players to rave about, Pro Football Weekly, 2000, archived from the original on August 20, 2013
  55. ↑ "Features – NFL pro football articles and coverage from Pro Football Weekly". Pro Football Weekly. 2002. Archived from the original on September 25, 2009.
  56. ↑ "No. 18: The ultimate defender — Ray Lewis". USA Today. 2007-06-28. Retrieved 2010-05-22.
  57. ↑ Glazer, Jay (2003-06-13). "Most dominant in NFL? Ponder the Raven". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2013-08-20.
  58. ↑ Jones, Luke (2013-02-07). "Ravens have plans for ring, statue in works". WNST.net. Retrieved 2013-05-15.
  59. ↑ "NFL Network's A FOOTBALL LIFE to Return 9/12". tv.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2012-09-11.
  60. ↑ Gallo, DJ (2008-01-02). "More grace and goodwill from the '72 Dolphins". ESPN Page 2. ESPN. Retrieved 2012-01-22.
  61. ↑ "Sayers, Lewis Launch S&L Racing". The Auto Channel. 2006-03-23. Retrieved 2009-12-16.
  62. ↑ "NFL star Ray Lewis turned away by NASCAR? Starts Champ Car team". NASCAR News. 2007-04-10. Retrieved 2009-12-16.
  63. ↑ "Media Advisory – North Avenue to be Renamed 'Ray Lewis Way'". Baltimore Ravens. 2010-03-10. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  64. ↑ "Player Bios (A – O)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 25, 2009. Retrieved 2010-09-28.
  65. ↑ "Player Season Finder Query Results". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
  66. ↑ "Wes Welker's Wife Rips Ray Lewis -- He's a TERRIBLE PERSON". TMZ. January 21, 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  67. ↑ "Ray Lewis' Girlfriend, Mother and Children". Player Wives. 2013-05-01. Retrieved 2014-09-09.
  68. ↑ "Ray Lewis' son transfers to Coastal Carolina". Fox News. 2015-01-13. Retrieved 2015-03-28.
  69. ↑ Shaffer, Jonas (August 10, 2016). "Ray Lewis tweets strange thing about Michael Phelps' medal count, deletes it". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved 2016-09-09.
  70. ↑ "After Nearly Dying, Michael Phelps Admits The Secret That Saved His Life And Made Him Swim Again". qpolitical.com. 2016-08-05. Retrieved 2016-09-09.
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