NFL legend Ray Lewis picked up a degree from an HBCU this weekend. It wasn’t his own, though.
The legendary Baltimore Ravens star and Pro Football Hall of Famer picked up the degree for his late son, Ray Lewis III, from Virginia Union University in Richmond. He commemorated the occasion with an Instagram post.
“My son, I’m so proud of you,” Lewis wrote. “Heaven called you, but thanks to Virginia Union we grabbed your degree for you today baby boy.”
Ray Lewis III passed away on June 14, 2023 after medical professionals found him unresponsive.
“We will see you again soon enough, to all the other families whose children didn’t make it to walk cross the stage. God Bless you!!! Celebrate every step our children take it life, even the steps we don’t like. Ray 3rd “we made today a great day!!!”
After graduating from high school in 2013, Ray Lewis III committed to play college football at the University of Miami. He joined the Miami Hurricanes football team as a running back, following in the footsteps of his NFL superstar father. However, he struggled to make a constant impact on the field during his time at Miami.
Lewis appeared in nine games but primarily played on special teams as a freshman in 2013. He recorded 15 rushing yards on four carries and had six receptions for 47 yards. In 2014, he saw limited action and rushed for 21 yards on five carries and caught two passes for 14 yards.
Lewis transferred to Coastal Carolina University, a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program back in 2015. He joined the Chanticleers football team but was unable to have a big impact. Lewis mostly played as a reserve running back and participated on special teams.
Ray Lewis III’s football career took a turn after the 2016 season when he was arrested and charged with criminal sexual conduct in South Carolina. As a result, he was suspended from the football team.
He eventually found a home at the HBCU, where he played the 2017 season. He recorded 37 tackles in his lone season for the CIAA program.
Now Ray Lewis the father has his son’s degree as he’s dedicated to his memory living on.