Origins & Early Life

Raymond Anthony Lewis Jr. (born May 15, 1975) is an American former professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 17 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, earning All-America honors. He is considered one of the greatest linebackers of all time.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Lewis was selected by the Ravens in the first round of the 1996 NFL draft, and upon his retirement following the 2012 season, was the last remaining active player from the team's inaugural season. Lewis immediately became a leader on defense and led the team in tackles as a rookie, the first of 14 times he led the Ravens in tackles. In 2000, Lewis pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in connection with the stabbing deaths of two men; he testified as a key witness at the trial, and a jury determined the killings were acts of self-defense. The following season, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year and led the Ravens' record-setting defense, which established a 16-game single-season record for the fewest points allowed (165) and the fewest rushing yards allowed (970), to victory in Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis also became the second linebacker to win...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• 50 Cent — Contemporary (Born in 1975) (1975): Iconic rapper, actor, and entrepreneur known for raw storytelling and business acumen.
• Alex Rodriguez — Contemporary (Born in 1975) (1975): Legendary baseball player and businessman, known as "A-Rod"
• Allen Iverson — Contemporary (Born in 1975) (1975): Iconic NBA scorer and guard, nicknamed "the Answer", celebrated for his electrifying play.
• Albert Bassermann — Shared historical date (05-15 · Died) (1952): Esteemed German stage and screen actor, celebrated for his dramatic versatility.
• Amadou Hampâté Bâ — Shared historical date (05-15 · Died) (1991): Malian writer, historian, and ethnologist championing Africa's oral traditions.
• Éamon de Valera — Historical peer (Died in 1975) (1975): Dominant Irish statesman, leading figure in the establishment of modern Irish governance.
• Angelina Jolie — Historical peer (Born in 1975) (1975): Acclaimed American actress, filmmaker, and dedicated global humanitarian.
• 6ix9ine — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): American rapper known for aggressive style and controversial public persona.
• A'ja Wilson — Historical peer (Born in 1996) (1996): Elite American WNBA star known for multiple MVP awards and championship success.
• Adam Yauch — Historical peer (Died in 2012) (2012): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
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