Ravens' Lewis couples on-field brilliance with off-field mentorship
One of the greatest middle linebackers in football history is also an invaluable resource for many players in the National Football League. Coaches, teammates and opponents agree that Baltimore Ravens' linebacker Ray Lewis is somewhat of a modern day football Godfather.
He is well respected by his peers. He is intimidating. And last but not least, has the ability to make your problems go away if you just listen and take his advice.
Lewis has mentored the NFL’s youngest and brightest superstars such as San Francisco’s linebacker Patrick Willis, Minnesota’s running back Adrian Peterson and San Diego’s linebacker Shawne Merriman, about training regiments and life.
Like a good coach in high school or even at the collegiate level, Lewis does more than talk about the game of football: he inspires these young athletes and teaches them how to become men.
Lewis told Pro Football Weekly that he talks and sends text messages to 15 to 20 players on some days.
“It’s a rush for me. It’s a high for me,” Lewis said. “My greatest legacy will not be about how hard I hit on the field but how many people I was able to bless.”
A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he usually meets and greets new players and veterans on various NFL events such as the Pro Bowl. After a few minutes with Lewis, the meetings generally end with a player seeking advice from Lewis or him handing out his contact information.
The XXXV Super Bowl Most Valuable Player has seen it all before and no player or problem is too big for him to handle. A few years ago, Lewis got a phone call from Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson who was unhappy with his current situation in Cincinnati. Simply put, Johnson wanted to take his talents to another team.
Lewis’ message: Stop complaining and go out and be the best player you can be. Life in the NFL in a privilege and it can be taken away from you in an instant.
“He’s my spiritual father when I’m having problems," said Johnson. “Ray has been there for me through everything. Ray is really the only reason I’ve somewhat shut up and calmed down and came back and refocused my energy being positive.
“So Ray is really the reason I’m back here happy, smiling and ready to go again.”
Call it a brotherhood that Lewis started forming with guys around the league. While Lewis seems to be giving so much of his time and energy, he insists that he receives even more in return.
“What I get out of it is watching these guys grow,” he said. "That’s the reward for any parent. When you instill something in a kid and you get it put into fruition, you are like, Wow! He really listened.”
While Lewis provides guidance and leadership for players around the league, he is even more available for his teammates. As a result Lewis and the Ravens’ organization have been inseparable since 1996.
While many are saying the Ravens’ Lewis may have lost a step, he is still arguably the best linebacker in the game today. But the 35-year-old, has been named to 11 Pro Bowl teams, was quick to say that whatever speed he's lost, he's made up with knowledge and experience..
“I would never want to be in my 20s again. I know too much right now.”
It is a miracle how the ageless wonder continues to produce despite entering his 15th season. Expect yet another season of triple-digit tackles from Lewis and for him to become a father figure to many new players set to start their lives in professional football.
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