Breaking: ESPN Confirm Ray Lewis to pay last respect to his boyhood college the two-time All-American and won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker -Time To Say Hello To Where It All began…
BREAKING: ESPN Confirms Ray Lewis to Pay Last Respect to His Boyhood College — “Time To Say Hello to Where It All Began”
By ESPN Insider Staff | June 28, 2025
In an emotional return that transcends football, legendary linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion Ray Lewis will be heading back to where his incredible journey began—the University of Miami.
ESPN has confirmed that Lewis, the Hall of Fame linebacker, two-time All-American, and winner of the prestigious Butkus Award as the nation’s top collegiate linebacker, will pay a heartfelt tribute to the school that shaped his identity as both an athlete and a man.
> “It’s not goodbye—it’s hello,” Lewis told ESPN in an exclusive interview. “It’s time to say hello to where it all began. This place gave me a shot when I had nothing but hunger and hope. It deserves my respect, my thanks, and my presence one last time as the young man who once walked those halls with a dream.”
A Homecoming Decades in the Making
Ray Lewis wasn’t just a player at the University of Miami—he was a phenomenon. From 1993 to 1995, he anchored the Hurricanes’ defense with unmatched intensity, grit, and leadership. By the time he left for the NFL, he had racked up accolades including two First-Team All-American honors and the 1995 Butkus Award, solidifying his status as one of the greatest linebackers in college football history.
His success didn’t stop there. Lewis went on to have an illustrious 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, earning 13 Pro Bowl selections, two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, and two Super Bowl titles, including his unforgettable performance in Super Bowl XXXV.
Yet through all the fame, Ray Lewis never forgot his roots.
A Day of Reflection and Tribute
The university is planning a full-day tribute event, including a special pregame ceremony during the Hurricanes’ upcoming home opener. Lewis will be honored at midfield in front of a packed Hard Rock Stadium, with former teammates, coaches, and students in attendance.
Miami Athletic Director Dan Radakovich praised Lewis’s decision, saying, “Ray is more than a legend. He is a symbol of what the U stands for—resilience, passion, and brotherhood. His return to pay respect reminds us of the power of loyalty and legacy.”
Legacy Beyond the Field
Beyond football, Lewis’s impact on the university and the community has continued through mentorship programs, charitable contributions, and motivational speaking engagements. His upcoming visit will include a closed-door session with current student-athletes, where he plans to deliver a personal message about perseverance and purpose.
> “They call it paying respect,” Lewis said, “but truthfully, I’m coming back to give thanks. Because before I was Ray Lewis the champion, I was Ray Lewis the kid with a dream at The U.”
As the date draws near, emotions are high, and fans are already calling it one of the most powerful moments in Hurricanes history.
For Ray Lewis, it’s not just a return—it’s a reunion with destiny.