By Brandon King
(Source HBCU Sports)
Ray Lewis III, the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame player Ray Lewis and one-time Virginia Union football player, died at 28.
Lewis’ brother, Rahsaan, shared the tragic news in an Instagram post, saying, “Really can’t believe I’m even typing this but RIP big brother A true angel I pray you’re at peace now because ik how much you were rlly hurtin I don’t and won’t ever have the words man cuz this pain right here . . . I love you I love you I love you your niece gone miss you but she will hear about u over and over just watch over us all big bruh be our guardian I promise I’ll make you smile and proud “
Lewis III rose to athletic prominence during his time at Florida’s Lake Mary Prep High School, where during his senior season, he rushed for 1,898 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding another 676 yards and four scores receiving.
He started his college career at his father’s alma mater, the University of Miami. Lewis would redshirt his freshman year and eventually transfer to Coastal Carolina before completing his collegiate career at Virginia Union.
His last appearance on the gridiron was when he suited up for the Wyoming Mustangs of the Champions Indoor Football League in 2021.
Virginia Union associate head coach Diego Ryland said to TMZ Sports that Lewis III’s passing was “very unfortunate” and added that he was “a great young man and a better teammate. The entire Virginia Union University community is praying for the family as they deal with the loss of Ray.”
Mark James, who coached Lewis III at Virginia Union said in a statement: “Ray was a tremendous young man who played with the spirit of a lion. He was a great asset to the Virginia Union family. He will always be a Panther. God bless his family.”
