Ray Lewis Biography

Fast Facts

• Was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2000 and 2003, and is one of only six players to win the title multiple times
• Was the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXV in 2000
• Formed the non-profit organization The Ray Lewis Family Foundation, which aids disadvantaged youth and families in distress
• Went to the Pro Bowl 13 times during his NFL career and was named to the 2000s All Decade team
• Attended the University of Miami on a full athletic scholarship and is ranked fifth overall in tackles in the school's history
• Was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft, and was 26th overall
• Quote: "Greatness is a lot of small things done well, stacked up on each other․"
• Quote: "[to his teammates after losing to the Patriots] "Don't ever drop your head when it comes to a loss, dog․ Because there's too much pain outside of this that people are really going through ․․․ Let's make somebody smile when we walk out of here․""
• Best known as a retired pro football linebacker who played for the Baltimore Ravens for 17 years
• Often serves as an analyst and announcer for ESPN on series like "Monday Night Countdown․"