The number of articles written about Ray Lewis’ legacy exceeds the number of snaps he has played in the NFL. Still almost every journalist, blogger, and fan had a different take on the career of the Baltimore Ravens linebacker.
Students at Pace University have mixed opinions about the controversial linebacker’s death grip on the spotlight. Most students feel that reverend Ray has been an uplifting force for football since he left the University of Miami; better known to the Monday Night Football audience as “the U.”
Senior computer information systems major Jared De Freitas remembers Ray Lewis the football player, the motivator, and the guy whose pre-game dance has over one million hits on Youtube.
“What I will always remember about Ray Lewis is his uplifting motivation and determination to get better and never settle,” De Freitas said.
De Freitas and other college athletes have heard Ray Lewis give motivational speeches to ignite their inner flames. Last year, Lewis gave a speech to the men’s basketball team of Stanford University and pumped them up for an NIT game.
In case you were wondering, Stanford won that game 74-64 after hearing the words of we-can-do-this Lewis.
Flash-forward to today and the final climax of Lewis’ career is upon us. The outcome of the Superbowl should be the last leg on the thrill ride that has been Lewis’ career.
Ever since the first game of these NFL playoffs, the sights and sounds of Ray Lewis’ career have been topics of conversation. The topics of debate include Lewis’ impact as a leader, his hall of fame career, if his involvement in a murder impacted his legacy, or the questions surrounding his alleged performance-enhancing drug use.
While plenty of websites have labeled Lewis a cheater, senior political science major Lamar Francis is one Pace student who doubts that Lewis allegedly took the deer antler spray.
“I don’t think he did it, but if he did I’m not sure he knew it was a banned substance,” Francis said. “Even if he did know it should not put a stain on his legacy, it has nothing to do with the totality of his career, at most it could have possibly recovered from his injury.”
For Francis and others, the legend of Lewis will begin and end with performance on the field of play.
“Ray Lewis made the NFL more than about football,” said Francis. “He brought a sense of spiritual connection to the game that is beyond speed, strength, and strategy.”
While there may not be any ‘pray for Ray’ banners in New Orleans, the outcome of the Superbowl will help shape the legacy of Lewis for Pace students and football fans across the nation.