By – Jay Trambadia, Psy.D.

We get one opportunity in life, one chance at life to do whatever you’re going to do, and lay your foundation and make whatever mark you’re going to make. Whatever legacy you’re going to leave, leave your legacy. — Ray Lewis

Leadership. Strength. Determination. The captain of the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens has been embodying these unwavering mentally driven characteristics on and off the NFL football field for 17 years. Ray Lewis brings a unique swag to the Charm City which, for most, has been engrained into the town’s DNA.

Lewis is undoubtedly one of the best defenders to suit up on Sundays. He soars over the grassy plains like the mascot he resembles, staring down his prey… snap after snap. With countless honors throughout his illustrious career, Lewis has booked his first class ticket to the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Throughout the last decade, this Raven has been known for ferocious hits and grand entrances, but most importantly, for momentous motivation. The art of Motivation plays a pivotal role in the psychology of sports, especially football. Play after play of stop and go, some players may start to lose steam when fatigued. Fortunately, for the Ravens’ players this is less likely to happen due to their defensive captain.

With inspirational speeches and his play on the field, Lewis embroiders football mental toughness into his squad, week after week. This was displayed during pregame preparations in the Ravens locker room a few years ago. Former teammate Ryan Riddle remembers a moment where Lewis went to every player individually, placing a drop of unknown solution on their foreheads.

Riddle said, “It was as if he injected every man in that locker room, including myself, with synthesized courage.” Riddle later learned that this was to empower his team with passion, resilient mental strength, and physical fortitude.

A first round pick in 1996 of the new Baltimore team, this founding father, and now older brother of the Ravens’ players, has continued to mentally prepare his teams. “There’s that camaraderie in the locker room that Ray Lewis brings that makes it a real brotherhood,” said Ed Dickson, Ravens tight end.

Lewis’s loyalty for his team and town has also rubbed off on his peers. Teammate Torrey Smith’s brother died in a motorcycle accident a day before the week 3 game of the 2012 season. Even with full support of his team to take some time off, the grieving Smith did not want to let down his team, fans, and his leader. Smith played in the game and led the Ravens to victory, with the unwavering support of his captain.

Torrey said of Lewis, “He is the greatest leader I’ve ever seen.” With his work ethic, passion, and supportive motivation, Lewis instills confidence in his players, on and off the field.

After the legal concerns experienced in the start of the century, Lewis dedicated himself to keep force on the field, and peace off of it. Even though he had a strong presence on the field, Lewis focused on displaying his devoted reputation off the field. He continues to pride himself in his charitable work, from adopting families in Baltimore, to helping disadvantage youth, and all the way to feeding the hungry of Maryland.

Upon retirement, Ray Lewis’s legacy will be remembered as a resilient and strong one. But this legacy was molded not only from tackles and sacks, but more importantly, how he positively influenced and affected the people around him. His motivation helped his teammates perform better collectively, and also left a continuous motivating imprint on everyone who experienced his presence.