Latest news with #RayLewis


CBS News
14 hours ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Are the 2025 Baltimore Ravens the most talented team in franchise history?
Is this year's Baltimore Ravens roster their most talented in franchise history? Sure, on paper, this team appears loaded. However, former Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith said during a taping of WJZ's Purple Playbook to pump the brakes. "Let's not get carried away," Smith told WJZ Sports Anchor Alex Glaze. "The Ravens defense, historically, people think of Baltimore, regardless of how great (quarterback) Lamar Jackson is, as a defensive team. You have Ray Lewis and Ed Reed." SOUND OFF: As currently constructed on paper is this the most talented #Ravens team in franchise history? If not, who are you going with? #RavensFlock @wjz @TorreySmithWR — WJZ Sports (@WJZ13sports) June 19, 2025 Since football returned to Baltimore 30 years ago, the Ravens have won the Super Bowl twice -- claiming the 2000 championship and the 2012 championship. The Super Bowl-winning Ravens never had a quarterback like Jackson, who has won two league MVPs. However, those defenses were historically great. "These guys (currently) are great players, ain't no way I'm going to say that (this is the most talented)," Smith said. "Forget playing for the Ravens, the kid in me playing on Madden with that 2000 defense, there's no way I could say that." A Hall of Fame past Those Baltimore Super Bowl champions had eventual Hall of Famers Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Jonathan Ogden, Shannon Sharpe, and Rod Woodson, as well as other key contributors. The list continues with Ray Rice, Joe Flacco, Marshal Yanda, Terrell Suggs, Jacoby Jones, Jamal Lewis, and Tony Siragusa. 11 All-Pro players on the Ravens roster The 2025 Baltimore Ravens have 11 players who have been named to the NFL All-Pro Team. Cornerback Jaire Alexander, who just signed with the Ravens, is the latest to join the roster. There are five former All-Pro performers on defense -- Alexander, linebacker Roquan Smith, defensive end Nnamdi Madubuike, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and safety Kyle Hamilton. Additionally, there are six on offense who have won All-Pro accolades, including quarterback Lamar Jackson, running back Derrick Henry, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, fullback Patrick Ricard, tight end Mark Andrews, and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley. "This is an extremely talented group, and the defense can be up there with anyone," Smith said. "The only weakness right now is the pass rush. It's not for a lack of talent, it's just for the lack of execution in the moment." "Super Bowl or bust" Torrey Smith credits the Baltimore Ravens for always fielding a competitive team. Since 1996, the Ravens have two Super Bowl championships, two AFC titles, eight division championships, and 16 playoff appearances. In 2023, the Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC Championship Game, and in 2024, they lost to the Buffalo Bills 27-25 in the divisional round of the playoffs. "Overall, this team will always give you a chance to win the Super Bowl," Smith said. "This is a Super Bowl-caliber defense, on paper and going into the season." And with the roster the way it is currently constructed, Smith believes a third Super Bowl championship will be in Baltimore. "It's always Super Bowl or bust," Smith said.


Malaysian Reserve
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis Hosts "52 Ways of Love" Community Celebration in Lakeland, Florida
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland, FL Admission: FREE | Open to the public LAKELAND, Fla., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A CELEBRATION OF LOVE, WELLNESS & COMMUNITY UNITY To mark his 50th birthday, NFL legend Ray Lewis returns to Polk County—not to be celebrated, but to give back. In partnership with the Ray of Hope Foundation™, he will host the 52 Ways of Love: Community Celebration, a free, family-friendly event focused on mental health awareness, education, and community healing. With over 3,000 attendees expected, the event will include interactive youth zones, mindfulness workshops, wellness screenings, and classic outdoor games like tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, and three-legged races. It's a day for families to connect, children to learn, and the entire community to engage in conversations around resilience, hope, and mental wellness. The inspiration behind the event comes from Lewis's personal mission to fight mental health stigma—especially following the tragic loss of his son. 'This isn't just about a birthday,' says Lewis. 'It's about pouring love back into the place that gave me everything. It's about showing our kids they matter—and that healing is possible when we come together as one family, one purpose.' SPECIAL GUESTS & NFL LEGENDS JOINING THE CELEBRATION:Several fellow Polk County-born NFL greats will join Lewis in championing the cause, including: Shannon Baker – Former NFL Wide Receiver, FSU Ahmad Black – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, UF Desmond Clark – 11-Year NFL Tight End (Broncos, Dolphins, Bears) Wayne Gandy – 15-Year NFL Offensive Tackle Rodney Gunter – Arizona Cardinals, Jaguars Maurkice Pouncey – 9-Time Pro Bowl Center, Steelers Mike Pouncey – Pro Bowl Center, Dolphins/Chargers Chris Rainey – NFL Running Back & Return Specialist MEDIA & SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIESThe Ray of Hope Foundation™ welcomes local media, sponsors, and community partners to join this impactful day. Opportunities include branded booths, volunteer roles, and in-kind contributions. For press credentials, sponsorship info, or interviews with Ray Lewis, contact:Dr. Debra L. Wright | debra@ ABOUT THE RAY OF HOPE FOUNDATION™Founded by Ray Lewis, the Ray of Hope Foundation™ empowers at-risk youth and families by providing education, mental health support, mentorship, and personal development through love-centered community engagement. Learn more at: MEDIA CONTACT:Debra LewisDirector, Ray of Hope Foundationdebra@
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis Hosts "52 Ways of Love" Community Celebration in Lakeland, Florida
Date: Saturday, May 24, 2025 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium – Lakeland, FL Admission: FREE | Open to the public LAKELAND, Fla., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A CELEBRATION OF LOVE, WELLNESS & COMMUNITY UNITY To mark his 50th birthday, NFL legend Ray Lewis returns to Polk County—not to be celebrated, but to give back. In partnership with the Ray of Hope Foundation™, he will host the 52 Ways of Love: Community Celebration, a free, family-friendly event focused on mental health awareness, education, and community healing. With over 3,000 attendees expected, the event will include interactive youth zones, mindfulness workshops, wellness screenings, and classic outdoor games like tug-of-war, hula hoop contests, and three-legged races. It's a day for families to connect, children to learn, and the entire community to engage in conversations around resilience, hope, and mental wellness. The inspiration behind the event comes from Lewis's personal mission to fight mental health stigma—especially following the tragic loss of his son. "This isn't just about a birthday," says Lewis. "It's about pouring love back into the place that gave me everything. It's about showing our kids they matter—and that healing is possible when we come together as one family, one purpose." SPECIAL GUESTS & NFL LEGENDS JOINING THE CELEBRATION:Several fellow Polk County-born NFL greats will join Lewis in championing the cause, including: Shannon Baker – Former NFL Wide Receiver, FSU Ahmad Black – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, UF Desmond Clark – 11-Year NFL Tight End (Broncos, Dolphins, Bears) Wayne Gandy – 15-Year NFL Offensive Tackle Rodney Gunter – Arizona Cardinals, Jaguars Maurkice Pouncey – 9-Time Pro Bowl Center, Steelers Mike Pouncey – Pro Bowl Center, Dolphins/Chargers Chris Rainey – NFL Running Back & Return Specialist MEDIA & SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIESThe Ray of Hope Foundation™ welcomes local media, sponsors, and community partners to join this impactful day. Opportunities include branded booths, volunteer roles, and in-kind contributions. For press credentials, sponsorship info, or interviews with Ray Lewis, contact:Dr. Debra L. Wright | debra@ ABOUT THE RAY OF HOPE FOUNDATION™Founded by Ray Lewis, the Ray of Hope Foundation™ empowers at-risk youth and families by providing education, mental health support, mentorship, and personal development through love-centered community engagement. Learn more at: MEDIA CONTACT:Debra LewisDirector, Ray of Hope Foundationdebra@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Ray of Hope Foundation


NBC News
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NBC News
Getty Images, AP, Alamy Horse racing Bold colors, big hats and fast horses: Photos of the 150th Preakness Stakes Journalism won the race with a thrilling come-from-behind finish.
Journalism took the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes on Saturday from Pimlico Race Course with a thrilling come-from-behind win. But the dramatic finish wasn't the only lasting image from Baltimore. Thousands of fans both in the infield and in the stands were decked out in fun and vibrant outfits to enjoy one of the biggest events in horse racing. This included celebrities like former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Football Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, Maryland governor Wes Moore and social media star Griffin Johnson. Let's take a closer look at what went down Saturday afternoon.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDonald plans improvements to popular park
MCDONALD, Ohio (WKBN) – Families can always find something to do at a park, and McDonald's Woodland Park has plenty to offer. The village wants to make improvements to enhance what it has and entice others to try it out. McDonald is looking to renovate and revitalize Woodland Park. It's a centerpiece of the community. 'We're looking to improve the amenities that we already offer, make McDonald a better place to live, to play and to visit,' said Mayor Ray Lewis. The park has basketball, tennis and pickleball courts. One of the aspects of the upgrade is to improve the court surfaces. They could be resurfaced, painted and get new equipment. 'If you looked at the courts, you can see they're starting to get worn down,' Lewis said. Another aspect is to offer camps, tournaments, even health and wellness education. Those things could appeal to all ages. The idea is to utilize the park for residents and those from around the region. 'Look, there's things available here. They're free, and they're really nice, so it just improves the overall quality of life,' Lewis said. McDonald has big plans, but also realizes that residents and communities are stretched thin. So, it's applying for funding through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources NatureWorks Program. 'So the importance of getting grant dollars to improve the amenities not only helps the village with regard to maximizing our utilization of funds, but it also helps our residents and those that visit visit McDonald's to be able to utilize these resources,' Lewis said. McDonald has also submitted an application to get funding for improving trails near Woodland Park. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.