Latest news with #RayLewis
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Sport
- Malaysian Reserve
Ray of Hope Foundation Teams Up with NFL Star Austin Ekeler for Charity Fantasy Football Initiative Supporting Youth Mental Health
BALTIMORE, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Ray of Hope Foundation, led by Hall of Fame legend and philanthropist Ray Lewis, proudly announces an exciting new partnership with NFL star running back Austin Ekeler to launch a Charity Fantasy Football League aimed at raising critical funds and awareness for youth mental health initiatives. This unique collaboration merges the passion for football with the power of philanthropy, inviting fans, corporate partners, and communities nationwide to join a fantasy football league with purpose. Proceeds from the league will directly support the Ray of Hope Foundation's ongoing efforts to provide mental health resources, mentorship programs, and life-changing opportunities for young people across underserved communities. 'Mental health is one of the most pressing issues facing our youth today,' said Ray Lewis, Founder of the Ray of Hope Foundation. 'Partnering with a competitor and leader like Austin Ekeler—who shares our heart for the next generation—allows us to create something that's both fun and impactful. This is about more than football; it's about saving lives, building resilience, and giving hope where it's needed most.' Participants will have the chance to compete against Austin Ekeler, Ray Lewis, and other celebrity athletes in a fantasy football league filled with exclusive prizes, VIP experiences, and opportunities to directly engage with NFL talent. Most importantly, every entry will contribute to programming that champions youth mental wellness, emotional intelligence, and positive life choices. 'This is personal to me,' said Austin Ekeler. 'I know what it's like to have people believe in you and invest in your future. Through this league, we're inviting fans to join us in making a real difference for kids who need that same support.' About Ray of Hope Foundation:Founded by Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, the Ray of Hope Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of youth through educational enrichment, leadership development, and mental health initiatives. The Foundation's programs address critical social-emotional needs while fostering resilience, purpose, and hope. About Austin Ekeler:Austin Ekeler is an NFL running back known for his dynamic athleticism on the field and his unwavering commitment to giving back off the field. Through his Austin Ekeler Foundation and numerous charitable efforts, he continues to uplift youth and inspire positive change in communities nationwide. How to Join:Registration for the Ray of Hope x Austin Ekeler Charity Fantasy Football League opens soon. Visit for details. Media Contact:Dr. Debra L. Wright, Executive DirectorRay of Hope FoundationEmail: [email protected]Phone: 863-307-0925Website:
USA Today
09-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens dominate AFC North all-star roster with heavy presence (as they should)
Ravens players dominate an AFC North all-star conversation. Sometimes, we hear words or statements so often that they lose their impact and appeal. They no longer pack the same punch. Every franchise has its greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.), and every era of every sport has its own G.O.A.T. However, if we're being honest, none of these individuals is truly the greatest. When discussing the Baltimore Ravens, though, mentioning Ray Lewis or Ed Reed changes the conversation entirely—those players are the true G.O.A.T.s. It's been a long time since that era ended. Can you believe it? We've now watched a dozen seasons of Ravens football without Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Hope springs eternal that this new flock will finally seal the deal and deliver a third Vince Lombardi Trophy. Hopefully, you'll forgive us, but here's where we mention another of those phrases you've probably grown sick of hearing. A recent AFC North all-star team theory enjoys a heavy Ravens takeover 'They're the best team on paper. ' How many times have you heard that? That's probably another of those phrases that we can retire, right? Sure, we all get the nature of its meaning, but we also realize that football isn't played on paper. Strangely, any mention of this loaded Ravens roster never gets old. Hmmm... Imagine that. Who would have thought? Postseason accolades and preseason expectations won't win anything for an NFL franchise. 11 Ravens were voted onto the Pro Bowl roster. Unfortunately, however, Baltimore was bounced during the Divisional Round of the most recent NFL playoffs. They had just hosted the AFC Championship Game the previous year. Playoff disappointment has lessened anyone's confidence in this roster. It's so good that ten of its members took over an AFC North all-star team. Bleacher Report's Matt Holder tried his hand at creating an all-star team for every division. Nearly a dozen Ravens popped up on his AFC North squad. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Ronnie Stanley, Tyler Linderbaum, and Roger Rosengarten represented on the offensive side of the ball. They are joined by Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Pat Freiermuth, Joel Bitonio, and Wyatt Teller. On defense, Nnamdi Madubuike, Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Kyle Hamilton made the cut. They are joined by Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Patrick Queen, Denzel Ward, Jalen Ramsey, and Grant Delpit. Ten of those guys we've cheered for. 12 may have heard a few jeers over the years, but here's one thing we all can agree on. Suit this team up, and there isn't another NFL team that stands a chance. We're thinking a 17-0 regular-season, a first-round bye, and three blowout wins during the postseason en route to a Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Fox News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional American football team that competes in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. Baltimore is one of two teams in the NFL to be undefeated in multiple Super Bowl appearances. The Ravens won Super Bowl titles in 2000 and 2012. The team's name was inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's poem 'The Raven.' Various defensive NFL stars have played for Baltimore like Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs, and Ed Reed. The Ravens offense is spearheaded by Heisman Trophy winners Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ray Lewis takes his rightful place among the top 25 players in NFL history
Ray Lewis takes his rightful place on a list of the best players in the NFL history. More often than not, an NFL team's most famous player will be one playing on the offensive side of the ball, but this isn't the typical NFL city. The Baltimore Ravens were born out of Art Modell's decision to move the original Cleveland Browns to Maryland in 1996. It wasn't a popular move in Ohio, but B-more is most certainly thankful. The franchise has won eight divisional championships, two AFC titles, and two Super Bowls. Ray Lewis is the only man walking who was a member of both championship-winning teams, and recently, he was named among some of the best players ever to lace up a pair of cleats. Ray Lewis lands 14th on CBS Sports' top 25 players in NFL history Bryan DeArdo recently tried his hand at crafting a list of the 25 greatest NFL players ever. The finished product was quite the masterpiece. First in Ravens fans' hearts and 14th on DeArdo's list, Ray Lewis took his place among football's immortals. The entire list was stacked as follows: These types of lists are always subjective. Sure, we can toss ideas back and forth about who should be ranked higher, but it's hard to argue any of those players off the ranking. DeArdo mentions the following as his reasoning for placing Ray Lewis near the middle: "A throwback player, Lewis's intensity and mastery of his position led the Ravens to two Super Bowl titles. He was the best player on the Ravens' historically great 2000 defense that allowed just six points in three playoff games. In 17 seasons, Lewis racked up over 2,000 tackles, 31 interceptions, 41.5 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, and 20 fumble recoveries." It's hard to argue with that logic or Ray's resume. He's a two-time champion, Super Bowl 35's MVP, and a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He's a seven-time First-Team All-Pro, a three-time Second-Team All-Pro, and a 13-time Pro Bowler, and that isn't the half of it. Three times, Lewis led the NFL in solo tackles and combined tackles. He's a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, the 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, and the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor. He's a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Seriously, what else needs to be said? If Ray isn't on this list, it must be thrown out entirely.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Legend Joey Porter Sr. Reflects on Famous Incident with Ray Lewis: ‘I'm About to Wolverine Myself'
Former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Joey Porter Sr. cleared the air on the famous 'bus incident' with Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis in Week 1 of the 2003 season. Porter did not play in the game, as he was recovering from a gun shot wound, which occurred outside of a night club in Denver. Porter nearly suited up, however. 'I had just got show in Denver. This is Week 1, I have to miss the game. I'm in pregame warm up, Ray Lewis is out there and getting ready for the game, he's looking at me and talking directly to me. 'This is my house, we about to do boom, boom, do this, X, Y and Z. I looked around like, 'Shit, who we talking, too? I looked, I said, 'Damn it's just me out here. I'm like, man, you talking to me?' Advertisement 'So I start stretching. I'm like, 'Shit, (Rodgers Freyvogel) go get my gear.' You think I can't go play, I'm about to play today. Mind you my ass just got shot. I'm about to Wolverine myself. This hole in my body is no longer there,' Porter said on Cam Heyward's Not Just Football podcast. 'Joey you're not playing,'' Porter added while imitating Bill Cowher's voice. 'So now I'm so damn angry because Ray got me so gassed up.' The Steelers defeated the Ravens, 34-15, but the animosity between the two teams continued after the game. 'Plax and Corey Fuller are going at it. They're talking having a conversation. Ray come out and he sees Corey. He's like Corey, 'You good over there?' And I'm like … 'Nah, he ain't good, come and check on him,' Porter explained. 'Then he said, 'Nah man, I'm (going to) pray for you.' And then he got on the bus, and that shit made me mad. That's why I started walking toward the bus. I'm like you talked all that shit. Now don't sent me a prayer. Don't pray for me mother******. Advertisement 'And then they see me walking toward (the bus), and that's when they start the story, 'Oh, Joey got on the bus trying to fight Ray Lewis!' People who know the story, they know.' So there you have it, Porter did not actually go on the Ravens' team bus and try to fight Ray Lewis. Nevertheless, it sure is an entertaining story. There was nothing like the Steelers-Ravens rivalry in the 2000s. This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Legend Joey Porter Sr. Reflects on Famous Incident with Ray Lewis: 'I'm About to Wolverine Myself' Related Headlines
