NFL Hall of Famer Ray Lewis paid a touching tribute to his son Ray Lewis III at his funeral over the weekend.
Lewis III, a former college football player, died June 14 of an accidental drug overdose.
Less than two weeks after the 28-year-old’s death, his father delivered an emotional eulogy to mourners who gathered at Calvary Orlando Church in Florida on Saturday.
“See you again,” the Baltimore Ravens legend said via the New York Post. “28 years watching my first born child… The umpires thought I was crazy pacing the sidelines.”
“To everyone who is in this room today for my son, thank you from the bottom of my family’s heart.”
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis (left) paid tribute to his son Ray Lewis III (right) at his funeral over the weekend.
The funeral of Lewis III. was held at Calvary Orlando Church in Florida on Saturday
Lewis III was the son of linebacker Lewis, who played for the Ravens throughout his 17-year career
“My son used to say to me, ‘Dad, let’s have a good day today.’ And today, as I finally see my son’s physical body, you’re going to have a good day today,” Lewis added while shaking his hands folded and pointed towards the sky.
Lewis III was found lifeless at around 5 p.m. on June 14 at a home in Casselberry, 13 miles north of downtown Orlando.
The college athlete was lying naked in a space between a bed and a wall when police and paramedics arrived. He wasn’t breathing.
A friend performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation while another cried out for narcan — the chemical used to treat overdoses.
In the room, according to TMZ, was near Lewis’ body a blue pill unofficially identified as alprazolam – a tranquilizer used to treat anxiety and panic attacks. They also found a used needle and a small plastic bag in an empty beer can.
Casselberry Police Captain Michael Schaefer said in a statement: “One of our officers used his issued narkan on Lewis but there was no change in his condition.”
The Seminole County Fire Department transported Lewis from the South Sunset Drive property to Advent Health Hospital in Altamonte Springs, where he was pronounced dead.
Ray Lewis Snr played for the Ravens throughout his 17-year career and is widely considered the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history.
Former NFL player Ray Lewis (right) and his son Ray Lewis III watch a Miami Heat game in 2013
Ray Lewis Jr., 28, was found dead on June 14 in a home near Orlando, Florida
Lewis III played for the Miami Hurricanes, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers and Virginia Union Panthers while in college
Like his son, he attended the University of Miami and played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.
Lewis Jr. played for the Miami Hurricanes, Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, and Virginia Union Panthers during his college career.
However, he failed to become a superstar in college football and had recently been working on his music career.
Lewis III’s younger brother, Rahsaan, alluded to his sibling’s mental health issues on social media.
“I really can’t believe I’m even writing this but RIP big bro,” he wrote.
“A true angel, I pray that you are at peace now because I know how much it really hurt you.” Words fail me and never will, man, for this pain right here…I love you, i love you, i love you.
“Your niece misses you, but she will always hear from you. Just take care of us all, big brother, be our protector. I promise I’ll make you smile and proud.”
Virginia Union assistant head coach Diego Ryland told TMZ, “Great young man and a better teammate.”
Former college football player Lewis III was found dead around 5 p.m. on June 14 at a home in Casselberry, 13 miles north of downtown Orlando
Numerous tributes poured in for the former college football player who decided to pursue a music career
Baltimore Ravens with linebacker Ray Lewis. He is considered the greatest middle linebacker in NFL history
“The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they come to terms with the loss of Ray.”
Mark James, Lewis’ trainer at Virginia Union, wrote: “Young man, it was my pleasure to bring you to Virginia Union.”
“Ray Ray May God bless your family. “Great young man.”
Lewis III attended Lake Mary High School in Florida, where he played on their track and field teams.
During his high school career, he rushed for 1,898 yards and had 20 touchdowns. In his senior season, he rushed for 676 yards and had four touchdowns.
He then moved to the University of Miami in 2013, where he joined the Miami Hurricanes football team as a running back.
After not attracting much attention on the Miami football team, he transferred to Coastal Carolina University in 2015.
In January 2016, he was arrested for sexual assault while a student at the University of South Carolina.
He was indicted by a South Carolina grand jury on third-degree criminal sexual assault charges and kicked off the college football team.
But months later, after a lengthy investigation by law enforcement officials in South Carolina, the claims were dropped.
Lewis III attended Lake Mary High School in Florida, where he played on their track and field teams
Lewis III had recently been working on his music career after trying to follow in his NFL father’s footsteps and playing college football
“We were of the firm belief from the outset that this young man was not at fault,” said his then-counsel Tony Brittain.
“I’m just relieved that prosecutors have looked into this so thoroughly and come to the similar conclusion that this case should not be pursued.”
Court records of the investigation revealed numerous inconsistencies in the allegations.
In 2021, Lewis III signed with the Wyoming Mustangs of the Champions Indoor Football League.