History of Ray Lewis in Timeline
Ray Lewis is a former American professional football linebacker renowned for his 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens. A standout player, he earned All-America honors at the University of Miami before becoming a cornerstone of the Ravens' defense. Widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, his leadership and impactful play defined an era of Baltimore football.
May 15, 1975: Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. Born
On May 15, 1975, Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. was born. He later became a celebrated professional football linebacker.
1995: Decision to Enter NFL Draft
After the 1995 season, Lewis decided to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the NFL draft.
1996: Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens
In 1996, Lewis was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the NFL draft and immediately became a leader, leading the team in tackles as a rookie.
1996: Start of NFL Career and All-Rookie Honors
In 1996, Lewis was drafted into the NFL and earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week in his first game. He also earned USA Today's All-Rookie team honors after leading the NFL with 15 tackles for loss.
1997: First Pro Bowl Berth
In 1997, Lewis recorded an NFL-best and career-high 184 tackles and earned his first Pro Bowl berth.
1998: Second Pro Bowl Selection
In 1998, Lewis made his second trip to the Pro Bowl after recording 120 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.
1999: NFL Tackling Leader and All-Pro Selection
In 1999, Lewis led the NFL in tackles with 165, was named to a third-straight Pro Bowl, and earned All-Pro first team honors.
January 31, 2000: Super Bowl XXXIV Party Incident
On January 31, 2000, following a Super Bowl XXXIV party in Atlanta, a fight broke out involving Ray Lewis' entourage, resulting in the stabbing deaths of Jacinth Baker and Richard Lollar. Lewis and two companions were later indicted on murder and aggravated assault charges.
June 2000: Acquittal of Companions
In June 2000, Ray Lewis' companions, Reginald Oakley and Joseph Sweeting, were acquitted of all charges related to the Super Bowl XXXIV party incident after five hours of deliberation by the jury.
2000: Guilty Plea and Super Bowl XXXV Victory
In 2000, Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. That same year, he also led the Baltimore Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XXXV.
2000: NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP
In 2000, Lewis was named NFL Defensive Player of The Year. He also led the Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl XXXV victory and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
2001: Fifth Consecutive Pro Bowl Selection and All-Pro Honors
In 2001, Lewis earned his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and earned first-team All-Pro honors, leading the NFL in tackles with 162.
2002: Limited Season Due to Injury
In 2002, Lewis played only five games due to a shoulder injury.
2003: Second Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 2003, Lewis won his second Defensive Player of the Year award, making him the sixth player to achieve this multiple times.
2003: Defensive Player of the Year and All-Pro Honors
In 2003, Lewis won the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year and earned unanimous All-Pro honors. He was also named to his sixth career Pro Bowl.
April 29, 2004: Out-of-Court Settlement
On April 29, 2004, Ray Lewis reached an out-of-court settlement with India Lollar and the Baker family, preempting a scheduled civil proceeding related to the 2000 Super Bowl incident.
2004: Earned Undergraduate Degree
In 2004, Lewis earned his undergraduate degree in Arts and Science at the University of Maryland University College.
2004: All-Pro Honors and Seventh Pro Bowl Nomination
In 2004, Lewis was named first-team All-Pro by the AP and earned a seventh Pro Bowl nomination.
February 2005: Opened Ray Lewis Full Moon Bar-B-Que
In February 2005, Ray Lewis opened the Ray Lewis Full Moon Bar-B-Que restaurant in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood.
2005: Season Cut Short by Injury
In 2005, Lewis's season was cut short by an injury, leading to him being placed on injured reserve.
2006: Led Ravens Defense and Pro Bowl Selection
In 2006, Lewis led the Ravens defense to a top NFL ranking in multiple categories and was selected to the Pro Bowl, though he later withdrew due to injury.
2008: AFC Championship and Tenth Pro Bowl Nomination
In 2008, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to the AFC Championship, earned his tenth Pro Bowl nomination, and was named an Associated Press first-team All-Pro for the sixth time.
September 2009: Game-Saving Tackle Against Chargers
In September 2009, Ray Lewis made a game-saving tackle on Darren Sproles during a game against the San Diego Chargers, which he considered one of the best tackles of his career.
May 11, 2010: Ray Lewis Way Dedication
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.
November 21, 2010: Achieved 30 Interceptions and 30 Sacks
On November 21, 2010, Ray Lewis became only the second player in NFL history to record at least 30 interceptions and 30 sacks for their career, achieving the feat in 204 games.
October 16, 2011: First Player with 40 Sacks and 30 Interceptions
On October 16, 2011, Ray Lewis became the first player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in his career, during a game against the Houston Texans.
October 14, 2012: Torn Triceps Injury
On October 14, 2012, Ray Lewis suffered torn triceps during a game against the Dallas Cowboys, requiring surgery.
2012: Second Super Bowl Win and Final Game
After returning from a triceps tear, in 2012 Lewis earned his second Super Bowl victory in his final NFL game.
2012: Retirement from the NFL
Following the 2012 season, Lewis retired from professional football. At the time of his retirement, he was the last remaining active player from the Baltimore Ravens' inaugural season.
January 2, 2013: Retirement Announcement
On January 2, 2013, Ray Lewis announced that he would retire after his team finished the 2012-13 NFL playoffs.
March 13, 2013: Joined ESPN as NFL Contributor
On March 13, 2013, it was announced that Ray Lewis would join ESPN as a contributor for their NFL coverage.
September 4, 2014: Statue Unveiling
On September 4, 2014, a statue of Ray Lewis was unveiled in front of M&T Bank Stadium, honoring his contributions to the Baltimore Ravens.
February 2, 2017: Lip Sync Battle Victory
On February 2, 2017, Ray Lewis competed against Tony Gonzalez on "Lip Sync Battle" and emerged victorious with performances of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" and Nelly's "Hot in Herre."
June 20, 2017: Hired by Fox Sports 1
On June 20, 2017, it was announced Ray Lewis had been hired by cable sports network Fox Sports 1.
February 3, 2018: Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection
On February 3, 2018, the fifth anniversary of his final game, Lewis was selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
August 2019: Dancing with the Stars Participation and Withdrawal
In August 2019, Ray Lewis was announced as a contestant on season 28 of "Dancing with the Stars" but later withdrew due to a tendon injury in his foot.
June 15, 2023: Death of Son Ray Lewis III
On June 15, 2023, Ray Lewis' son Ray Lewis III died at the age of 28 of an accidental overdose.
