Ray Lewis III, son of Ravens' legend, dead at 28

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – Ray Lewis III, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, has died at the age of 28 according to numerous media reports, after the death was announced by Lewis' younger brother, Rahsaan Lewis, in an Instagram post.

"Really can’t believe I’m even typing this but RIP big brother," read the tribute posted on Rahsaan Lewis' verified Instagram account. “Be our guardian. “I promise I’ll make you smile and be proud.”

Lewis III, who was 28, rushed for 5,283 yards and 53 touchdown in three seasons at Lake Mary Prep and hoped to follow his father's path to NFL stardom. The first step on that path was electing to attend the University of Miami where his father was an All-American before being a first round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 1996.

Lewis III, however, did not find the same glory at the "U" as his father. He struggled as a defensive back before transferring to Coastal Carolina University. There, he ran into legal trouble when accused of sexually assaulting an 18-year old woman. The charges were eventually dropped, but Lewis was dismissed from the CCU team.

After returning to Orlando for some time to regroup, Lewis III enrolled at Seminole State College and completed his associates degree before enrolling at Virginia Union University where he completed his football eligibility.

After college Lewis III worked in Oklahoma as a registered behavior technician for children with disabilities, believing his football career was complete. But, in 2021, he was invited to play for the Wyoming Mustangs of the Champions Indoor Football League.

At the time he spoke of having an opportunity to create his own identity.

“I was born into a situation that’s perceived by everyone the way they want to perceive it,” Lewis III told the Gillette News Record in 2021. “I didn’t have my own identity and I still don’t. ... I don’t even get my own identity. It’s always just, ‘Son of Hall of Famer Ray Lewis.’

“I have my own identity now. I’m not trying to fill his shoes now. I have a different size and I have my own shoes to fill.”

Lewis III appeared in seven games for the Mustangs in the 2021-22 season.