10 Things to Know About Ray Lewis
Fun facts about football’s toughest linebacker.
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Tough Competition - One of the most feared linebackers in the NFL, Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens is hoping to wrap up his NFL career on a high-note by adding another Super Bowl Championship to his many accomplishments. BET.com gives you the scoop on Lewis’ incredible journey thus far. – Britt Middleton (Photo: Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
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Early Beginnings - Ray Anthony Lewis was born May 15, 1975, in Bartow, Florida. The six-foot-one, 250-pound athlete was a linebacker and wrestling star at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Florida. (Photos: Miami/Collegiate Images/Getty Images)
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Bringing the Miami Heat - Lewis was an All-American linebacker for the University of Miami, playing for three years before deciding to enter the NFL Draft in 1996. He kept school a priority, however, eventually earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland University College in 2004. (Photo: Andy Lyons /Allsport)
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A Solid Future - He was the 26th overall pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, joining the Baltimore Ravens. He stayed with the team the duration of his 17-year professional career. (Photo: Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT)
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Super Bowl Champion - Lewis helped lead the Ravens to a stunning 34-7 win over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV and was named the night’s MVP. (Photo: Andy Lyons /Allsport)
Photo By Photo: Andy Lyons /Allsport
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A Giving Man - The two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year is active in the Baltimore community, launching his Ray Lewis Family Foundation to support underprivileged youth and families. (Photo: Ray Lewis Family Foundation)
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Getting People Back to Work - To help those who lost their jobs in the economic downturn, Lewis launched a staffing agency, RL52 Staffing, in Baltimore in 2011. (Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Coming Back After Injury - Lewis was benched for weeks after suffering torn triceps last October, but returned to help lead his team to a 24-9 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Jan. 6. (Photo: Rob Carr/Getty Images)
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He Speaks His Mind - During the 2011 NFL lockout, Lewis said the lack of gameplay would launch an all-out crime spree in some communities. “Do this research. If we don't have a season — watch how much evil, which we call crime, watch how much crime picks up, if you take away our game," Lewis told ESPN in May 2011. (Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
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Pro Bowl King - Lewis has played in 13 Pro Bowl games and was named to the NFL All-Decade (2000s) team, chosen every 10 years by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. (Photo: Martin Morrow/Getty Images)